US20080020641A1 - Single Chip USB Packages By Various Assembly Methods - Google Patents
Single Chip USB Packages By Various Assembly Methods Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080020641A1 US20080020641A1 US11/859,685 US85968507A US2008020641A1 US 20080020641 A1 US20080020641 A1 US 20080020641A1 US 85968507 A US85968507 A US 85968507A US 2008020641 A1 US2008020641 A1 US 2008020641A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- usb
- core component
- pcb
- modular
- die
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K3/00—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits
- H05K3/22—Secondary treatment of printed circuits
- H05K3/28—Applying non-metallic protective coatings
- H05K3/284—Applying non-metallic protective coatings for encapsulating mounted components
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L24/00—Arrangements for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies; Methods or apparatus related thereto
- H01L24/93—Batch processes
- H01L24/95—Batch processes at chip-level, i.e. with connecting carried out on a plurality of singulated devices, i.e. on diced chips
- H01L24/97—Batch processes at chip-level, i.e. with connecting carried out on a plurality of singulated devices, i.e. on diced chips the devices being connected to a common substrate, e.g. interposer, said common substrate being separable into individual assemblies after connecting
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K5/00—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
- H05K5/02—Details
- H05K5/0256—Details of interchangeable modules or receptacles therefor, e.g. cartridge mechanisms
- H05K5/026—Details of interchangeable modules or receptacles therefor, e.g. cartridge mechanisms having standardized interfaces
- H05K5/0278—Details of interchangeable modules or receptacles therefor, e.g. cartridge mechanisms having standardized interfaces of USB type
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2224/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies and methods related thereto as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2224/01—Means for bonding being attached to, or being formed on, the surface to be connected, e.g. chip-to-package, die-attach, "first-level" interconnects; Manufacturing methods related thereto
- H01L2224/42—Wire connectors; Manufacturing methods related thereto
- H01L2224/47—Structure, shape, material or disposition of the wire connectors after the connecting process
- H01L2224/48—Structure, shape, material or disposition of the wire connectors after the connecting process of an individual wire connector
- H01L2224/481—Disposition
- H01L2224/48151—Connecting between a semiconductor or solid-state body and an item not being a semiconductor or solid-state body, e.g. chip-to-substrate, chip-to-passive
- H01L2224/48221—Connecting between a semiconductor or solid-state body and an item not being a semiconductor or solid-state body, e.g. chip-to-substrate, chip-to-passive the body and the item being stacked
- H01L2224/48225—Connecting between a semiconductor or solid-state body and an item not being a semiconductor or solid-state body, e.g. chip-to-substrate, chip-to-passive the body and the item being stacked the item being non-metallic, e.g. insulating substrate with or without metallisation
- H01L2224/48227—Connecting between a semiconductor or solid-state body and an item not being a semiconductor or solid-state body, e.g. chip-to-substrate, chip-to-passive the body and the item being stacked the item being non-metallic, e.g. insulating substrate with or without metallisation connecting the wire to a bond pad of the item
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2224/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies and methods related thereto as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2224/93—Batch processes
- H01L2224/95—Batch processes at chip-level, i.e. with connecting carried out on a plurality of singulated devices, i.e. on diced chips
- H01L2224/97—Batch processes at chip-level, i.e. with connecting carried out on a plurality of singulated devices, i.e. on diced chips the devices being connected to a common substrate, e.g. interposer, said common substrate being separable into individual assemblies after connecting
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/01—Chemical elements
- H01L2924/01005—Boron [B]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/01—Chemical elements
- H01L2924/01006—Carbon [C]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/01—Chemical elements
- H01L2924/01013—Aluminum [Al]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/01—Chemical elements
- H01L2924/01024—Chromium [Cr]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/01—Chemical elements
- H01L2924/0103—Zinc [Zn]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/01—Chemical elements
- H01L2924/01033—Arsenic [As]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/01—Chemical elements
- H01L2924/01077—Iridium [Ir]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/01—Chemical elements
- H01L2924/01078—Platinum [Pt]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/01—Chemical elements
- H01L2924/01079—Gold [Au]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/01—Chemical elements
- H01L2924/01082—Lead [Pb]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/10—Details of semiconductor or other solid state devices to be connected
- H01L2924/11—Device type
- H01L2924/12—Passive devices, e.g. 2 terminal devices
- H01L2924/1204—Optical Diode
- H01L2924/12041—LED
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/10—Details of semiconductor or other solid state devices to be connected
- H01L2924/11—Device type
- H01L2924/14—Integrated circuits
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/19—Details of hybrid assemblies other than the semiconductor or other solid state devices to be connected
- H01L2924/1901—Structure
- H01L2924/1904—Component type
- H01L2924/19041—Component type being a capacitor
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
- H01R13/665—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K1/00—Printed circuits
- H05K1/02—Details
- H05K1/11—Printed elements for providing electric connections to or between printed circuits
- H05K1/117—Pads along the edge of rigid circuit boards, e.g. for pluggable connectors
Definitions
- This invention relates to portable electronic devices, and more particularly to portable electronic devices such as those that utilize the Universal-Serial-Bus (USB) specification.
- USB Universal-Serial-Bus
- USB Universal Serial Bus
- USB flash drives have made the production of USB flash drives very cost sensitive. For example, there is currently a strong demand for high quality USB devices that are very low in cost. Accordingly, there is an ever increasing need for computer peripheral devices that are reliable and inexpensive to produce.
- the present invention is directed to high quality USB devices (or other electronic data storage medium) that include an external case that is mounted or otherwise formed over a modular USB core component.
- the modular USB component includes a card body (i.e., a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA)) and a single-piece molded housing that encases all passive components and integrated circuit (IC) components of the PCBA, which include a non-volatile memory device, a card reader interface circuit and a processing unit (e.g., a USB controller) that are implemented using one or more integrated circuit (IC) die(s) mounted on said card body.
- PCBA printed circuit board assembly
- IC integrated circuit
- the housing has a planar surface that is parallel to the PCB and extends along the entire length of the USB device (e.g., from a front edge of the plug structure to a rear edge of the handle structure), thus providing a flat (thin) structure that can be easily incorporated into a USB assembly.
- the modular USB component is then inserted into any of a number of different cases, thereby facilitating the production of a wide range of USB device assemblies in an inexpensive manner.
- passive components are mounted onto the PCB using one or more standard surface mount technology (SMT) techniques, and one or more IC die (e.g., an USB controller IC die and a flash memory die) are mounted using chip-on-board (COB) techniques.
- SMT standard surface mount technology
- COB chip-on-board
- the SMT-packaged passive components e.g., capacitors, oscillators, and light emitting diodes
- the IC dies are secured onto the PCB using know die-bonding techniques, and then electrically connected to corresponding contact pads using, e.g., known wire bonding techniques.
- the housing is formed over the passive components and IC dies using plastic molding techniques.
- SMT and COB manufacturing techniques to produce modular USB core components
- the present invention provides several advantages over conventional manufacturing methods that utilize SMT techniques only.
- the IC die height is greatly reduced, thereby facilitating stacked memory arrangements that greatly increase memory capacity of the USB devices without increasing the USB device footprint.
- the combined COB and SMT method according to the present invention provides a less expensive and higher quality (i.e., more reliable) memory product with a smaller size than that possible using conventional SMT-only manufacturing methods.
- a modular USB core component utilizes a single-chip controller/flash die that includes both a controller circuit and one or more flash block mass storage circuits that are interconnected by a bus.
- the controller circuit includes an input/output (I/O) interface circuit that facilitates sending and receiving commands and data to/from a host, and a flash-memory controller that facilitates sending and receiving sends data over the internal bus to/from the flash mass storage blocks.
- I/O input/output
- flash-memory controller that facilitates sending and receiving sends data over the internal bus to/from the flash mass storage blocks.
- the case in which the modular USB core component is housed is a single-piece, pre-molded plastic casing that includes a relatively narrow front section and a relatively wide rear section that collectively define a cavity into which the modular USB core component is inserted.
- the front section includes a series of ribs that cover the front end of the modular USB core component and define elongated through-holes disposed such that only the metal contacts of the modular USB core component are exposed.
- the front section of the case defines a large opening such that the entire front section of the modular USB core component is exposed.
- the rear section of the case defines an upper opening for insertion of the modular USB core component, and a cover plate is secured over the upper opening by one of a snap-coupling mechanism, a weld structure, and a thermal cure adhesive layer.
- a UV sensitive epoxy material is used to secure the cover plate, which is made from a transparent or translucent material to facilitate the UV-cure process.
- the case in which the modular USB core component is housed is a two-piece, pre-molded plastic casing that includes a lower case portion and an upper case portion that is mounted (e.g., snap coupled) onto the lower case portion, wherein the modular USB core component is disposed in a cavity defined by the upper case portion and the lower case portion.
- the upper case portion includes a plurality of ribs respectively separated by elongated openings, and the metal contacts of the modular USB core component are exposed through corresponding ones of the elongated openings.
- the case in which the modular USB core component is housed includes a bottom piece carrier that receives the modular USB core component such that its upper surface is exposed.
- a rear cover having a slot defined therein is mounted over a rear portion of the carrier/core component such that a front portion of the modular USB core component (i.e., the metal contacts) is exposed, and an optional front cap is mounted over the front portion to protect the metal contacts during transport.
- a rear cover plate is mounted over a rear portion of the core component by way of an adhesive such that a front portion of the modular USB core component (i.e., the metal contacts) is exposed.
- a through hole is defined through the rear cover plate and the bottom piece carrier or a circular donut structure extends from a back wall of the bottom piece carrier to facilitate connection of a key chain.
- the modular USB core component is subjected to an over-molding process to form or otherwise complete the case that houses the USB core component.
- the modular USB core component is first mounted inside a pre-molded plastic casing such that the metal contacts of the USB core component are exposed through openings formed in the plastic casing.
- the partial assembly including the USB core component and the plastic casing is then inserted into the cavity of an injection molding apparatus, which injects molten plastic onto a lower surface of the modular USB core component to form an over-molded structure that secures the modular USB core component to the pre-molded plastic casing.
- the over-molded structure is formed directly onto the modular USB core component (i.e., no pre-molded casing is used).
- any of the above-described USB assemblies further includes a carrying case for securely carrying the USB assembly such that the metal contacts are protected from damage and contamination.
- the present invention facilitates the production of low-cost, highly reliable, high capacity USB apparatus having aesthetic casing designs that easily and conveniently incorporate the short, modular USB core component.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit block diagram illustrating an electronic data storage medium according an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 2 (A) and 2 (B) are perspective top and cross sectional side views showing an exemplary modular USB device according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing a method for producing the modular USB device of FIGS. 2 (A) and 2 (B) according to another embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 4 (A) and 4 (B) are bottom and top perspective views showing a PCB panel utilized in the method of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view depicting a surface mount technology (SMT) process for mounting passive components on a PCB according to the method of FIG. 3 ;
- SMT surface mount technology
- FIG. 6 is a top perspective views showing the PCB panel of FIG. 4 (B) after the SMT process is completed;
- FIG. 7 is a simplified perspective view showing a semiconductor wafer including integrated circuits (ICs) utilized in the method of FIG. 3 ;
- ICs integrated circuits
- FIGS. 8 (A), 8 (B) and 8 (C) are simplified cross-sectional side views depicting a process of grinding and dicing the wafer of FIG. 7 to produce IC dies;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view depicting a die bonding process utilized to mount the IC dies of FIG. 8 (C) on a PCB according to the method of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 10 is a top perspective views showing the PCB panel of FIG. 4 (B) after the die bonding process is completed;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view depicting a wire bonding process utilized to connect the IC dies of FIG. 8 (C) to corresponding contact pads disposed on a PCB according to the method of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 12 is a top perspective views showing the PCB panel of FIG. 4 (B) after the wire bonding process is completed;
- FIGS. 13 (A) and 13 (B) are simplified cross-sectional side views depicting a molding process for forming a molded housing over the PCB panel of FIG. 4 (B) according to the method of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 14 is a top perspective views showing the PCB panel of FIG. 4 (B) after the molding process is completed;
- FIG. 15 is simplified cross-sectional side view depicting a singulation process for separating the PCB panel of FIG. 4 (B) into individual USB devices according to the method of FIG. 3 ;
- FIGS. 16 (A) and 16 (B) are bottom and top perspective views showing USB devices after the singulation process of FIG. 3 is completed;
- FIGS. 17 (A) and 17 (B) are bottom and top perspective views showing the modular USB device of FIG. 16 (A) after a marking process is performed in accordance with the method of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 18 is simplified cross-sectional side view showing a modular USB device including stacked-memory according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 19 is simplified cross-sectional side view showing a single-chip modular USB device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a flash microcontroller integrated circuit die with flash mass storage blocks
- FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view showing a USB assembly with a full metal case according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 22 (A) and 22 (B) are front perspective and rear perspective views showing the USB assembly of FIG. 21 in an assembled state
- FIGS. 23 (A), 23 (B) and 23 (C) are exploded perspective, front assembled perspective and rear assembled perspective views showing a USB assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 24 (A), 24 (B) and 24 (C) are exploded perspective, front assembled perspective and rear assembled perspective views showing a USB assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 25 (A) and 25 (B) are exploded perspective and front assembled perspective views showing a USB assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 26 (A) and 26 (B) are exploded perspective and front assembled perspective views showing a USB assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 27 (A) and 27 (B) are exploded perspective and front assembled perspective views showing a USB assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 28 (A) and 28 (B) are exploded perspective and front assembled perspective views showing a USB assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 29 (A) and 29 (B) are exploded perspective and front assembled perspective views showing a USB assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 30 (A) and 30 (B) are exploded perspective and front assembled perspective views showing a USB assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 31 (A) and 31 (B) are exploded perspective and bottom assembled perspective views showing a partial USB assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 32 (A), 32 (B) and 32 (C) are cross-sectional views showing an over-molding process for generating a completed USB assembly utilizing the partial USB assembly of FIG. 31 (B);
- FIGS. 33 (A) and 33 (B) are top and bottom perspective views showing the completed USB assembly of FIG. 32 (B);
- FIGS. 34 (A) and 34 (B) are cross-sectional views showing an over-molding process for generating a completed USB assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view showing an USB assembly including a carrying case.
- the present invention relates to an improved method for manufacturing USB devices, and in particular to USB assemblies manufactured by the method.
- the following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention as provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements.
- the terms “upper”, “upwards”, “lower”, and “downward” are intended to provide relative positions for purposes of description, and are not intended to designate an absolute frame of reference.
- Various modifications to the preferred embodiment will be apparent to those with skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments shown and described, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features herein disclosed.
- an electronic data storage card 10 is adapted to be accessed by an external (host) computer 9 either via an optional card reader 12 or other interface mechanism, and includes a card body 1 , a processing unit 2 , one or more flash memory devices 3 , a fingerprint sensor 4 , an input/output interface circuit 5 , an optional display unit 6 , a power source (e.g., battery) 7 , and a function key set 8 .
- an external (host) computer 9 includes a card body 1 , a processing unit 2 , one or more flash memory devices 3 , a fingerprint sensor 4 , an input/output interface circuit 5 , an optional display unit 6 , a power source (e.g., battery) 7 , and a function key set 8 .
- a power source e.g., battery
- Flash memory device 3 is mounted on the card body 1 , and stores in a known manner therein a data file, a reference password, and fingerprint reference data obtained by scanning a fingerprint of a person authorized to access the data file.
- the data file can be a picture file or a text file.
- the fingerprint sensor 4 is mounted on the card body 1 , and is adapted to scan a fingerprint of a user of electronic data storage card 10 and to generate fingerprint scan data.
- One example of the fingerprint sensor 4 that can be used in the present invention is that disclosed in a co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,130, entitled “INTEGRATED CIRCUIT CARD WITH FINGERPRINT VERIFICATION CAPABILITY”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- the fingerprint sensor described in the above patent includes an array of scan cells that defines a fingerprint scanning area.
- the fingerprint scan data includes a plurality of scan line data obtained by scanning corresponding lines of array of scan cells.
- the lines of array of scan cells are scanned in a row direction as well as column direction of said array.
- Each of the scan cells generates a first logic signal upon detection of a ridge in the fingerprint of the holder of card body, and a second logic signal upon detection of a valley in the fingerprint of the holder of card body.
- the input/output interface circuit 5 is mounted on the card body 1 , and is activable so as to establish communication with the external computer 9 by way of an optional card reader 12 or via an appropriate socket.
- input/output interface circuit 5 includes circuits and control logic associated with an Universal Serial Bus (USB), PCMCIA or RS232 interface structure that is connectable to an associated socket connected to or mounted on host computer 9 .
- USB Universal Serial Bus
- PCMCIA PCMCIA
- RS232 interface structure that is connectable to an associated socket connected to or mounted on host computer 9 .
- input/output interface circuit 5 may include one of a Secure Digital (SD) interface circuit, a Multi-Media Card (MMC) interface circuit, a CompactFlash (CF) interface circuit, a Memory Stick (MS) interface circuit, a PCI-Express interface circuit, a Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) interface circuit, and a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface circuit, which interface with host computer 9 via optional card reader 12 according to known techniques.
- SD Secure Digital
- MMC Multi-Media Card
- CF CompactFlash
- MS Memory Stick
- PCI-Express interface circuit a PCI-Express interface circuit
- IDE Integrated Drive Electronics
- SATA Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
- the processing unit 2 is mounted on the card body 1 , and is connected to the memory device 3 , the fingerprint sensor 4 and the input/output interface circuit 5 by way of associated conductive traces or wires disposed on card body 1 .
- processing unit 2 is one of an 8051, 8052, 80286 microprocessor available, for example, from Intel Corporation.
- processing unit 2 includes a RISC, ARM, MIPS or other digital signal processor.
- processing unit 2 is controlled by a program stored at least partially in flash memory device 3 such that processing unit 2 is operable selectively in: (1) a programming mode, where the processing unit 2 activates the input/output interface circuit 5 to receive the data file and the fingerprint reference data from the host computer 9 , and to store the data file and the fingerprint reference data in the memory device 3 in a compressed format to increase storage capacity of the memory device 3 ; (2) a data retrieving mode, where the processing unit 2 receives the fingerprint scan data from the fingerprint sensor 4 , compares the fingerprint scan data with at least a segment of the fingerprint reference data in the memory device 3 to verify if the user of the electronic data storage card is authorized to access the data file stored in the memory device 3 , and activates the input/output interface circuit 5 to transmit the data file to the host computer 9 upon verifying that the user of the electronic data storage card is authorized to access the data file stored in the memory device 3 ; and (3) a data resetting mode, where the data file and the finger reference data are erase
- host computer 9 sends write and read requests to electronic data flash card 10 via optional card reader 12 and input/output interface circuit 5 to the processing unit 2 , which in turn utilizes a flash memory controller (not shown) to read from or write to the associated one or more flash memory device 3 .
- the processing unit 2 automatically initiates operation in the data resetting mode upon detecting that a preset time period has elapsed since storage of the data file and the fingerprint reference data in the memory device 3 .
- the optional power source 7 is mounted on the card body 1 , and is connected to the processing unit 2 for supplying electrical power thereto.
- the function key set 8 which is mounted on the card body 1 , is connected to the processing unit 2 , and is operable so as to initiate operation of the processing unit 2 in a selected one of the programming, data retrieving and data resetting modes.
- the function key set 8 is operable to provide an input password to the processing unit 2 .
- the processing unit 2 compares the input password with the reference password in the flash memory device 3 , and initiates operation in the data resetting mode upon verifying that the input password corresponds with the reference password.
- the optional display unit 6 is mounted on the card body 1 , and is connected to and controlled by the processing unit 2 for showing the data file exchanged with the external computer 9 and the operating status of electronic data storage card 10 .
- the present invention is directed to portable computer peripheral devices that are connected by plug connectors to host computer systems (e.g., computer 90 ; see FIG. 1 ) to perform the programming, data retrieving and data resetting functions similar to those described above.
- host computer systems e.g., computer 90 ; see FIG. 1
- the present invention is directed to peripheral devices in which a modular Universal-Serial-Bus (USB) core component 10 is formed that can be inserted into any of a number of different housings, thereby facilitating the production of a wide range of USB device assemblies in an inexpensive manner.
- USB Universal-Serial-Bus
- FIGS. 2 (A) and 2 (B) are perspective and cross-sectional side views showing an exemplary modular USB core component 100 that is utilized in the manufacture of USB assemblies according to the present invention.
- USB core component 100 generally includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 110 and a plastic housing 150 that is molded onto PCBA 110 .
- PCBA 110 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 111 including a PCB handle section 112 at a rear end of PCB 111 , and a PCB plug section 114 at a front end of PCB 111 .
- PCB 111 is a substantially flat substrate, and has opposing sides that are referred to below as upper (first) surface 116 and lower (second) surface 118 .
- metal contacts 120 are shaped and arranged in a pattern established by the USB specification.
- PCB 111 is formed in accordance with known PCB manufacturing techniques such that metal contacts 120 , IC dies 130 and 135 , and passive components 142 , 144 and 146 are electrically interconnected by a predefined network including conductive traces 131 and 136 and other conducting structures that are sandwiched between multiple layers of an insulating material (e.g., FR4) and adhesive.
- insulating material e.g., FR4
- passive components are mounted onto lower surface 118 using one or more standard surface mount technology (SMT) techniques, and one or more integrated circuit (IC) die (e.g., control IC die 130 and flash memory die 135 ) are mounted using chip-on-board (COB) techniques.
- SMT standard surface mount technology
- IC integrated circuit
- COB chip-on-board
- the passive components such as capacitors 142 , oscillator 144 and a light emitting diode 146 , are mounted onto contact pads (described below) disposed on lower surface 118 , and are then secured to the contact pads using known solder reflow techniques.
- each of the passive components is packaged in any of the multiple known (preferably lead-free) SMT packages (e.g., ball grid array (BGA) or thin small outline package (TSOP)).
- IC dies 130 and 135 are unpackaged, semiconductor “chips” that are mounted onto surface 118 and electrically connected to corresponding contact pads using known COB techniques.
- control IC die 130 is electrically connected to PCB 111 by way of wire bonds 160 - 1 that are formed using known techniques.
- flash memory IC die 135 is electrically connected to PCB 111 by way of wire bonds 160 - 2 .
- Passive components 142 , 144 , 146 , IC dies 130 and 135 and metal contacts 120 are operably interconnected by way of metal traces 131 and 136 that are formed on and in PCB 111 using known techniques, a few of which being depicted in FIG. 1 (A) in a simplified manner by short dashed lines.
- Housing 150 comprises molded plastic arranged such that substantially all of the plastic used to form housing 150 is located below (i.e., on one side of) PCB 111 .
- Housing 150 includes a peripheral surface 151 extending downward (i.e., perpendicular to PCB 111 ), and a lower surface 152 that extends parallel to PCB 111 .
- handle surface section 151 - 1 the portion of peripheral surface 151 surrounding handle section 112 of PCB 111 is referred to below as handle surface section 151 - 1
- plug surface section 151 - 2 the section of peripheral surface 151 surrounding plug section 114 of PCB 111 is referred to below as plug surface section 151 - 2 .
- handle surface section 152 - 1 the portion of lower surface 152 covering handle section 112 of PCB 111 is referred to below as handle surface section 152 - 1
- plug cover section 152 - 2 the section of lower surface 152 covering plug section 114 of PCB 111 is referred to below as plug cover section 152 - 2 .
- a handle structure 102 of USB core component 100 is defined by handle surface section 151 - 1 , handle surface section 152 - 1 , and the exposed upper surface 116 of PCB handle section 112 .
- a plug structure 105 of Modular USB core component 100 is defined by plug surface section 151 - 2 , plug surface section 152 - 2 , and the exposed upper surface 116 of PCB plug section 114 .
- a thickness T 1 and width W 1 of plug structure 105 is selected to produce a secure (snug) fit inside the plug portion of an external case (discussed below).
- housing 150 includes a planar surface 152 that is parallel to PCB 111 , and defines a single plane such that a first thickness T 1 of plug structure 105 (i.e., measured between upper PCB surface 116 and planar surface 152 adjacent to metal contacts 120 ) is substantially equal to a second thickness T 2 of handle section 102 (i.e., measured between upper PCB surface 116 and planar surface 152 adjacent to IC 135 . That is, as indicated in FIG. 1 (B), modular USB core component 100 is substantially flat along its entire length (i.e., from rear edge 151 - 1 A to front edge 151 - 1 B).
- substantially flat is meant to indicate that planar surface 152 is substantially parallel to an uppermost surface of modular USB core component 100 along its entire length.
- the uppermost surface of modular USB core component 100 is defined in part by upper surface 116 of PCB 111 , which is parallel to planar surface 152 along the entire length of USB core component 100 .
- the term “substantially flat” is also intended to cover embodiments described below in which the housing includes a thin wall structure that is formed on or otherwise contacts the upper surface of the PCB.
- the thickness T 2 of handle structure 102 may differ by a small amount (e.g., 5% from thickness T 1 of plug structure 105 .
- the “flatness” associated with modular USB core component 100 is achieved by mounting all of the IC dies (“chips”) and other electronic components of modular USB core component 100 on lower surface 118 of PCB 111 (i.e., on the side opposite to metal contacts 120 ). That is, the minimum overall thickness of modular USB core component 100 is determined by the thickness T 1 that is required to maintain a snug connection between plug structure 105 and female USB socket connector (not shown). Because this arrangement requires that metal contacts 120 be located at the uppermost surface, and that plug wall section 151 - 2 plug and cover section 152 - 2 extend a predetermined distance below PCB 111 to provide the required thickness T 1 .
- the overall thickness of modular USB core component 100 can be minimized by mounting the IC dies 130 and 135 and passive components (e.g., capacitor 142 ) only on lower surface 118 of PCB 111 . That is, if the IC dies and passive components are mounted on upper surface 116 , then the overall thickness of the resulting USB structure would be the required thickness T 1 plus the thickness that the ICs extend above PCB 111 (plus the thickness of a protective wall, if used).
- passive components e.g., capacitor 142
- upper surface 116 of PCB 111 is entirely exposed on the upper surface of modular USB core component 100 , thus facilitating the production of USB core component 100 with a maximum thickness equal to thickness T 1 of plug structure 105 . That is, because metal contacts 120 are formed on upper surface 116 , and upper surface 116 defines the higher end of required plug structure thickness T 1 , the overall height of modular USB core component 100 can be minimized by exposing upper surface 116 (i.e., by making any point on upper PCB surface 116 the uppermost point of modular USB core component 100 ). As indicated in FIG.
- peripheral wall 151 extends around and covers the peripheral side edges of PCB 111 , and an upper edge of peripheral wall 151 is coplanar with upper surface 116 of PCB 111 .
- peripheral wall 151 prevents objects from wedging between PCB 111 and housing 150 , thereby preventing undesirable separation of PCBA 110 from housing 150 .
- FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing a method for producing modular USB core component 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- a PCB panel is generated using known techniques (block 210 ), passive components are mounted on the PCB panel using SMT techniques (block 225 ), and the IC dies are die bonded (block 236 ) and wire bonded (block 238 ) using known COB techniques. Molten plastic is then used to form a molded housing over the passive components and the IC dies (block 240 ). Then PCB panel is then singulated (cut) in to separate USB devices (block 250 ), the individual USB devices are marked (block 260 ), and then the USB devices are tested, packed and shipped (block 270 ) according to customary practices.
- This method provides several advantages over conventional manufacturing methods that utilize SMT techniques only.
- the molded housing also provides greater moisture and water resistance and higher impact force resistance than that achieved using conventional manufacturing methods.
- the combined COB and SMT method according to the present invention provides a less expensive and higher quality (i.e., more reliable) memory product with a smaller size than that possible using conventional SMT-only manufacturing methods.
- FIG. 3 The flow diagram of FIG. 3 will now be described in additional detail below with reference to FIGS. 4 (A) to 17 (B).
- the manufacturing method begins with filling a bill of materials including producing/procuring PCB panels (block 210 ), producing/procuring passive (discrete) components (block 212 ) such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, LEDs and oscillators that are packaged for SMT processing, and producing/procuring a supply of IC wafers (or individual IC dies).
- producing/procuring PCB panels block 210
- producing/procuring passive (discrete) components such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, LEDs and oscillators that are packaged for SMT processing
- producing/procuring a supply of IC wafers or individual IC dies.
- FIGS. 4 (A) and 4 (B) are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, showing a PCB panel 300 (t 0 ) provided in block 210 of FIG. 3 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.
- the suffix “tx” is utilized herein to designated the state of the PCB panel during the manufacturing process, with “t 0 ” designating an initial state. Sequentially higher numbered prefixes (e.g., “t 1 ”, “t 2 ” and “t 3 ”) indicate that PCB panel 300 has undergone additional processing.
- PCB panel 300 (t 0 ) includes a two-by-nine matrix of regions designated as PCBs 111 , each having the features described above with reference to FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B).
- FIG. 4 (A) shows upper surface 116 of each PCB 111 (e.g., upper surface 116 of panel 111 - 1 includes metal contacts 120 ), and
- FIG. 4 (B) shows lower surface 118 of each PCB 111 .
- lower surface 118 of each PCB 111 (e.g., PCB 111 - 1 ) includes multiple contact pads 119 arranged in predetermined patterns for facilitating SMT and COB processes, as described below.
- panel 300 (t 0 ) in addition to the two rows of PCBs 111 , panel 300 (t 0 ) includes end border regions 310 and side border regions 320 that surround the PCBs 111 , and a central region 340 disposed between the two rows of PCBs 111 .
- Designated cut lines are scored or otherwise partially cut into PCB panel 300 (t 0 ) along the borders of each of these regions, but do not pass through the panel material.
- end cut lines 311 separate end border panels 310 from associated PCBs 111
- side cut lines 321 separate side border panels 310 from associated PCBs 111
- central cut lines 341 separate central region 340 from associated PCBs 111 .
- PCB cut lines 331 are formed along the side edges between adjacent PCBs 111 .
- the border panels are provided with positioning holes and other features known to those skilled in the art to facilitate the manufacturing process, and are removed during singulation (described below).
- PCBs for USB devices that are produced using SMT-only manufacturing processes must be significantly wider than PCBs 111 due to the space required to mount already packaged flash memory devices.
- PCB panels for SMT-only manufacturing methods typically include only twelve PCBs arranged in a 2 ⁇ 6 matrix.
- the present invention facilitates significantly narrower PCB 111 , thereby allowing each PCB panel 300 (t 0 ) to include 18 PCBs 111 arranged in a 2 ⁇ 9 matrix.
- the present invention provides shorter manufacturing time and hence lower cost.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view depicting a portion of a SMT process that is used to mount passive components on PCB 111 - 1 according to block 220 of FIG. 3 .
- lead-free solder paste is printed on contact pads 119 - 1 , 119 - 2 and 119 - 3 , which in the present example correspond to SMT components 142 , 144 and 146 , using custom made stencil that is tailored to the design and layout of PCB 111 - 1 .
- the panel After dispensing the solder paste, the panel is conveyed to a conventional pick-and-place machine that mounts SMT components 142 , 144 and 146 onto contact pads 119 - 1 , 119 - 2 and 119 - 3 , respectively, according to known techniques.
- the PCB panel Upon completion of the pick-and-place component mounting process, the PCB panel is then passed through an IR-reflow oven set at the correct temperature profile. The solder of each pad on the PC board is fully melted during the peak temperature zone of the oven, and this melted solder connects all pins of the passive components to the finger pads of the PC board.
- FIG. 6 shows the resulting sub-assembled PCB panel 300 (t 1 ), in which each PCB 111 (e.g., PCB 111 - 1 ) includes passive components 142 , 144 and 146 mounted thereon by the completed SMT process.
- FIG. 7 is a simplified perspective view showing a semiconductor wafer 400 (t 0 ) procured or fabricated according to block 214 of FIG. 3 .
- Wafer 400 (t 0 ) includes multiple ICs 430 that are formed in accordance with known photolithographic fabrication (e.g., CMOS) techniques on a semiconductor base 401 .
- wafer 400 (t 1 ) includes ICs 430 that comprise USB controller circuits.
- a wafer (not shown) similar to wafer 400 (t 1 ) is produced/procured that includes flash memory circuits, and in an alternative embodiment (described in additional detail below), ICs 430 may include both USB controller circuits and flash memory circuits. In each instance, these wafers are processed as described herein with reference to FIGS. 8 (A), 8 (B) and 8 (C).
- base 401 is subjected to a grinding process in order to reduce the overall initial thickness TW 1 of each IC 430 .
- Wafer 400 (t 1 ) is first mount face down on sticky tape (i.e., such that base layer 401 (t 0 ) faces away from the tape), which is pre-taped on a metal or plastic ring frame (not shown).
- the ring-frame/wafer assembly is then loaded onto a vacuum chuck (not shown) having a very level, flat surface, and has diameter larger than that of wafer 400 (t 0 ).
- the base layer is then subjected to grinding until, as indicated in FIG.
- wafer 400 (t 1 ) has a preprogrammed thickness TW 2 that is less than initial thickness TW 1 (shown in FIG. 8 (A)).
- the wafer is cleaned using de-ionized (DI) water during the process, and wafer 400 (t 1 ) is subjected to a flush clean with more DI water at the end of mechanical grinding process, followed by spinning at high speed to air dry wafer 400 (t 1 ).
- DI de-ionized
- the wafer is diced (cut apart) along predefined border regions separating ICs 420 in order to produce IC dies 130 according to block 244 of FIG. 3 .
- the sticky tape at the front side of wafer 400 (t 1 ) is removed, and wafer 400 (t 1 ) is mounted onto another ring frame having sticky tape provided thereon, this time with the backside of the newly grinded wafer contacting the tape.
- the ring framed wafers are then loaded into a die saw machine.
- the die saw machine is pre-programmed with the correct die size information, X-axis and Y-axis scribe lanes' width, wafer thickness and intended over cut depth.
- a proper saw blade width is then selected based on the widths of the XY scribe lanes.
- the cutting process begins dicing the first lane of the X-axis of the wafer. De-ionized wafer is flushing at the proper angle and pressure around the blade and wafer contact point to wash and sweep away the silicon saw dust while the saw is spinning and moving along the scribe lane. The sawing process will index to the second lane according to the die size and scribe width distance. After all the X-axis lanes have been completed sawing, the wafer chuck with rotate 90 degree to align the Y-axis scribe lanes to be cut. The cutting motion repeated until all the scribe lanes on the Y-axis have been completed.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view depicting a die bonding process utilized to mount the controller IC dies 130 of FIG. 8 (C) and flash memory IC dies 135 on PCB 111 - 1 of the PCB panel according to block 246 of FIG. 3 .
- the die bonding process is performed on PCB panel 300 (t 1 ) (see FIG. 6 ), that is, after completion of the SMT process.
- the die bonding process generally involves mounting controller IC dies 130 into lower surface region 118 A, which is surrounded by contact pads 119 - 5 , and mounting flash IC dies 135 into lower surface region 118 B, which is disposed between rows of contact pads 119 - 6 .
- an operator loads IC dies 130 and 135 onto a die bonder machine according to known techniques.
- the operator also loads multiple PCB panels 300 (t 1 ) onto the magazine rack of the die bonder machine.
- the die bonder machine picks the first PCB panel 300 (t 1 ) from the bottom stack of the magazine and transports the selected PCB panel from the conveyor track to the die bond (DB) epoxy dispensing target area.
- the magazine lowers a notch automatically to get ready for the machine to pick up the second piece (the new bottom piece) in the next cycle of die bond operation.
- the machine automatically dispenses DB epoxy, using pre-programmed write pattern and speed with the correct nozzle size, onto the target areas 118 A and 118 B of each of the PCB 111 of PCB panel 300 (t 1 ).
- the PCB panel is conveyed to a die bond (DB) target area.
- the magazine is loading a second PCB panel to this vacant DB epoxy dispensing target area.
- the pick up arm mechanism and collet picks up an IC die 130 and bonds it onto area 118 A, where epoxy has already dispensed for the bonding purpose, and this process is then performed to place IC die 135 into region 118 B.
- the PCB panel is then conveyed to a snap cure region, where the PCB panel passes through a chamber having a heating element that radiates heat having a temperature that is suitable to thermally cure the epoxy.
- FIG. 10 is a top perspective views showing PCB panel 300 (t 2 ) after the die bonding process is completed.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view depicting a wire bonding process utilized to connect the IC dies 130 and 135 to corresponding contact pads 119 - 5 and 119 - 6 , respectively, according to block 248 of FIG. 3 .
- the wire bonding process proceeds as follows. Once a full magazine of PCB panels 300 (t 2 ) (see FIG. 10 ) has completed the die bonding operation, an operator transports the PCB panels 300 (t 2 ) to a nearby wire bonder (WB) machine, and loads the PCB panels 300 (t 2 ) onto the magazine input rack of the WB machine. The WB machine is pre-prepared with the correct program to process this specific USB device.
- WB wire bonder
- FIG. 12 is a top perspective views showing PCB panel 300 (t 3 ) after the wire bonding process is completed.
- FIGS. 13 (A) and 13 (B) are simplified cross-sectional side views depicting a molding process for forming a molded housing layer over PCB panel 300 (t 3 ) according to block 250 of FIG. 3 .
- USB panel 300 (t 3 ) is loaded into a mold machine 450 including a cover plate 452 that mounts onto lower surface 116 of PCB panel 300 (t 3 ), and defines a chamber 456 that is disposed over the IC chips, wire bonds and passive components that are mounted on lower surface 116 .
- no molding material is applied to upper surface 118 . Transfer molding is prefer here due to the high accuracy of transfer molding tooling and low cycle time.
- the molding material in the form of pellet is preheated and loaded into a pot or chamber (not shown).
- a plunger (not shown) is then used to force the material from the pot through channels known as a spruce and runner system into the mold cavity 456 , causing the molten (e.g., plastic) material to form a molding layer 458 that encapsulates all the IC chips and components, and to cover all the exposed areas of lower surface 116 .
- the mold remains closed as the material is inserted and filled up all vacant in cavity 456 .
- the walls of cover plate 452 are heated to a temperature above the melting point of the mold material, which facilitates a faster flow of material through cavity 456 .
- Mold machine 450 remains closed until a curing reaction within the molding material is complete.
- a cooling down cycle follows the injection process, and the molding materials of molding layer 458 start to solidify and harden.
- Ejector pins push PCB panel 300 (t 4 ) (shown in FIG. 14 ) from the mold machine once molding layer 458 has hardened sufficiently.
- molding layer 458 forms a uniform block with a flat, smooth upper surface 459 on PCB panel 300 (t 4 ).
- FIG. 15 is simplified cross-sectional side view depicting a singulation process according to block 260 of FIG. 3 that is used to separate PCB panel 300 (t 4 ) into individual USB devices.
- PCB panel 300 (t 4 ) is loaded into a saw machine (not shown) that is pre-programmed with a singulation routine that includes predetermined cut locations.
- the saw blade is aligned to the first cut line (e.g., end cut line 311 - 1 ) as a starting point by the operator.
- the coordinates of the first position are stored in the memory of the saw machine.
- FIGS. 16 (A) and 16 (B) are top and bottom perspective views showing a modular USB core component 100 after the singulation process is completed.
- FIGS. 17 (A) and 17 (B) are top and bottom perspective views showing a singulated modular USB core component 100 after a marking process is performed in accordance with block 270 of the method of FIG. 3 .
- the singulated and completed USB devices 100 undergo a marking process in which a designated company's logo, USB logo, RoHs logo, speed value, density value, or other related information are printed on surface 152 of housing 150 and/or upper surface 116 of PCB 111 . After marking, USB devices 100 are placed in the baking oven to cure the permanent ink.
- a final procedure in the manufacturing method of the present invention involves testing, packing and shipping the individual USB devices.
- the marked USB devices 100 shown in FIGS. 17 (A) and 17 (B) are then subjected to visual inspection and electrical tests consistent with well established techniques. Visually or/and electrically test rejects are removed from the good population as defective rejects.
- the good memory cards are then packed into custom made boxes which are specified by customers. The final packed products will ship out to customers following correct procedures with necessary documents.
- FIG. 18 is simplified cross-sectional side view showing a stacked-memory USB device 500 in which a first flash memory chip 535 - 1 is mounted on a lower surface 518 and connected by first wire bonds 560 - 1 to PCB 511 in the manner described above.
- the present invention facilitates a stacked memory arrangement in which a second flash memory die 535 - 2 is mounted on first flash memory die 535 - 1 and connected to PCB 511 by way of second wire bonds 560 - 2 .
- second flash memory die 535 - 2 may be connected to contacts provided on first flash memory die 535 - 1 by associated wire bonds.
- This stacked memory arrangement greatly increases memory capacity of the USB devices without increasing the footprint (i.e., thickness T 1 , length and width) of modular USB core component 500 .
- FIG. 19 is simplified cross-sectional side view showing a modular USB core component 600 including stacked-memory according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- Modular USB core component 600 is distinguished over the previous embodiments in that, instead of separate USB controller and flash memory chips, USB device 600 utilizes a single-chip controller/flash die 630 that is connected to a PCB 611 by way of wire bonds 660 in the manner described above, and is characterized in that, as shown in FIG. 20 , single-chip controller/flash die 630 includes both a controller circuit 631 and one or more flash block mass storage circuits 635 - 1 to 635 - 3 that are interconnected by a bus 638 .
- Controller circuit 631 includes an input/output (I/O) interface circuit 632 that facilitates sending and receiving commands and data to/from a host (not shown) into which USB device 600 is plugged. Controller circuit 631 also includes a flash-memory controller 634 that facilitates sending and receiving sends data over one or more internal flash buses 638 to/from flash mass storage blocks 635 - 1 , 635 - 2 , 635 - 3 . Because internal flash bus 638 is internal to single-chip controller/flash die 630 , external pins are not required for the interface to flash memory blocks 635 - 1 , 635 - 2 , 635 - 3 .
- flash mass storage blocks 635 - 1 , 635 - 2 , 635 - 3 are not randomly accessible. Instead, a command and an address are transferred as data over internal flash bus 638 to indicate a block of data to transfer from flash mass storage blocks 635 - 1 , 635 - 2 , 635 - 3 .
- flash mass storage blocks 635 - 1 , 635 - 2 , 635 - 3 are block-addressable mass storage, rather than random-access memory (RAM).
- flash mass storage blocks 635 - 1 , 635 - 2 , 635 - 3 are aggregated together by the flash microcontroller of controller circuit 631 631 , which maps and directs data transactions to selected flash storage blocks 635 - 1 , 635 - 2 , 635 - 3 . Because the flash microcontroller 631 performs memory management, flash storage blocks 635 - 1 , 635 - 2 , 635 - 3 appear as a single, contiguous memory to external hosts. Additional details regarding the use of single-chip controller/flash die 630 is provided in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,103,684, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- the modular USB core components described in the embodiments above are incorporated into package casings (cases) in order to form completed USB assemblies (i.e., USB devices suitable for sale to an end user).
- completed USB assemblies i.e., USB devices suitable for sale to an end user.
- Several examples of such USB assemblies are described in the following paragraphs that are generally characterized as including two versions of low-profile package casings (one with front ribs and the other without front ribs).
- different package assembly process methods are described in which the modular USB core component is mounted or otherwise disposed inside a case to produce a final memory card product.
- a generalized modular USB core component 100 is used in the following examples and represents any of the embodiments described above.
- FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view showing an USB assembly 700 including a case 710 for receiving modular USB core component 100 inside, a cover plate 720 , and an adhesive 730 .
- case 710 is a one-piece pre-molded plastic casing formed using known techniques to include a bottom wall 711 , a relatively wide rear section 712 formed by rear side walls 713 , and a relatively narrow front section 714 formed by front side walls 715 .
- the terms “one-piece” and “pre-molded” are used herein to indicate that case 710 is an integral molded structure formed during a single (e.g., injection) plastic molding process that is performed prior to assembly with modular USB core component 100 .
- An intermediate wall 713 - 1 of case 710 is disposed between rear section 712 and front section 714 , and defines a slot 713 - 1 A.
- Rear section 712 defines an upper opening 712 A that exposes an elongated cavity extending between rear section 712 and front section 714 by way of slot 713 - 1 A.
- Rear side walls 713 are slightly taller and wider than front side walls 715 to facilitate mounting cover plate 720 , and define notches (sills) 713 A on an inside surfaces thereof for snap-coupling cover plate 720 in the manner described below.
- Front section 714 includes a series of parallel ribs 716 that extend over the cavity and are separated by elongated openings 717 .
- a circular donut structure 719 (shown more completely in FIG.
- a double sided thermal adhesive tape 730 is placed inside the cavity defined by case 710 , and then USB core component 100 is inserted through upper opening 712 A such that adhesive tape 730 is disposed between lower wall 711 and the lower surface of modular USB core component 100 .
- Modular USB core component 100 is inserted into case 710 with metal contacts 120 facing upward (away from lower wall 711 ) and disposed toward front section 714 .
- Modular USB core component 100 is held at an angle relative to case 710 during insertion to facilitate insertion of its front edge (i.e., the edge adjacent to metal contacts 120 ) through upper opening 712 A and through slot 713 A formed between rear section 712 and front section 714 .
- USB component 100 is then pushed forward until its front edge abuts a front wall 715 - 1 and metal contacts 120 are exposed through openings 717 formed between ribs 716 (as shown in FIG. 22 (A)), at which point a rear end of modular USB core component 100 is inserted and snugly fit into the cavity below upper opening 712 A.
- cover plate 720 is mounted over upper opening 712 A to seal the cavity defined by case 710 .
- cover plate 720 has protruding notches 723 disposed on peripheral side edges 721 that are snap coupled into recesses 713 A defined along the inner surface of rear side walls 713 .
- FIG. 23 (A) is an exploded perspective view showing an USB assembly 800 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, which includes a one-piece pre-molded plastic casing (case) 810 that is formed to receive modular USB core component 100 inside, a cover plate 820 , and an adhesive 830 .
- case 810 includes a bottom wall 811 , a relatively wide rear section 812 formed by rear side walls 813 , and a relatively narrow front section 814 formed by front side walls 815 .
- An intermediate wall 813 - 1 is disposed between rear section 812 and front section 814 , and defines a slot 813 - 1 A.
- Rear section 812 defines an upper opening 812 A that exposes an elongated cavity extending between rear section 812 and front section 814 by way of slot 813 - 1 A.
- Rear side walls 813 define notches 813 A on an inside surface thereof for snap-coupling cover plate 820 in the manner described below.
- front section 814 of case 810 includes a large opening 817 whose purpose is to expose the entirety of a front section 100 F of modular USB core component 100 (i.e., the section to the right of the dashed line in FIG. 23 (A) including metal contacts 120 ).
- a circular donut structure 819 is integrally molded or otherwise attached at the backend of the rear section 812 .
- USB core component 100 is inserted through upper opening 812 A such that adhesive tape 830 is disposed between lower wall 811 and the lower surface of modular USB core component 100 .
- Modular USB core component 100 is inserted into plastic mold casing 810 with metal contacts 120 facing upward (away from lower wall 811 ) such that front section 100 F is disposed toward front section 814 .
- Modular USB core component 100 is held at an angle relative to casing 810 during insertion to facilitate insertion of its front edge (i.e., the edge adjacent to metal contacts 120 ) through upper opening 812 A and through slot 813 A formed between rear section 812 and front section 814 .
- USB component 100 is then pushed forward until its front edge abuts front wall 815 - 1 and front section 100 F (including metal contacts 120 ) is exposed through opening 817 (as shown in FIG. 23 (B)), at which point a rear end of modular USB core component 100 is inserted and snugly fit into the cavity below upper opening 812 A.
- cover plate 820 is mounted over upper opening 812 A by snap coupling notches 823 disposed on peripheral side edges 821 into recesses 813 A defined along the inner surface of rear side walls 813 .
- a thermal cure procedure is performed to enhance the bond strength of double sided thermal adhesive tape 830 , thereby completing the assembly process.
- the completed USB assembly 800 is shown in front perspective view in FIG. 23 (B) and in rear perspective view in FIG. 23 (C).
- FIG. 24 (A) is an exploded perspective view showing an USB assembly 900 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, which includes a one-piece pre-molded plastic casing (case) 910 that is formed to receive modular USB core component 100 inside, a cover plate 920 , and an adhesive 930 .
- case 910 includes a bottom wall 911 , a relatively wide rear section 912 formed by rear side walls 913 , and a relatively narrow front section 914 formed by front side walls 915 .
- An intermediate wall 913 - 1 is disposed between rear section 912 and front section 914 , and defines a slot 913 - 1 A.
- Rear section 912 defines an upper opening 912 A that exposes an elongated cavity extending between rear section 912 and front section 914 by way of slot 913 - 1 A.
- Rear side walls 913 define perimeter edges 913 A formed on an inside surface thereof for snap-coupling cover plate 920 in the manner described below.
- a circular donut structure 919 is integrally molded or otherwise attached at the backend of the rear section 912 .
- a double sided thermal adhesive tape 930 is placed inside the cavity defined by case 910 , and then USB core component 100 is inserted through upper opening 912 A such that adhesive tape 930 is disposed between lower wall 911 and the lower surface of modular USB core component 100 .
- Modular USB core component 100 is inserted into plastic mold casing 910 with metal contacts 120 facing upward (away from lower wall 911 ) such that front section 100 F is disposed toward front section 914 and metal contacts 120 are exposed through openings 917 and separated by ribs 916 (as shown in FIG. 24 (B)).
- cover plate 920 is mounted over upper opening 912 A such that its outer edge 921 aligns with perimeter edges 913 A defined along the inner surface of rear side walls 913 .
- outer edge 921 is provided with a rough finish (not shown) to facilitate ultrasonic welding to perimeter edges 913 A.
- the assembly is then placed under an ultrasonic machine that applies ultra high frequency and compressive pressure onto cover plate 920 , thereby causing outer edge 921 to melt and fuse with perimeter edges 913 A, thereby securing cover plate 920 to case 910 .
- cover plate 920 has been secured such that modular USB core component 100 is sealed inside the cavity, a thermal cure procedure is performed to enhance the bond strength of double sided thermal adhesive tape 930 , thereby completing the assembly process.
- the completed USB assembly 900 is shown in front perspective view in FIG. 24 (B) and in rear perspective view in FIG. 24 (C).
- FIG. 25 (A) is an exploded perspective view showing an USB assembly 1000 according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, which includes a one-piece pre-molded plastic casing (case) 1010 that is formed to receive modular USB core component 100 inside, a cover plate 1020 , a lower adhesive layer 1030 and an upper adhesive layer 1035 .
- case 1010 includes a bottom wall 1011 , a relatively wide rear section 1012 formed by rear side walls 1013 , and a relatively narrow front section 1014 formed by front side walls 1015 .
- An intermediate wall 1013 - 1 is disposed between rear section 1012 and front section 1014 , and defines a slot 1013 - 1 A.
- Rear section 1012 defines an upper opening 1012 A that exposes an elongated cavity extending between rear section 1012 and front section 1014 by way of slot 1013 - 1 A.
- Rear side walls 1013 define a groove/platform 1013 A on an inside surface thereof for securing side edges 1021 of cover plate 1020 in the manner described below.
- Front section 1014 of case 1010 includes ribs 1016 that define elongated openings 1017 therebetween whose purpose is to expose metal contacts 120 of modular USB core component 100 .
- a double sided thermal adhesive tape (adhesive layer) 1030 is placed inside the cavity defined by case 1010 , and then USB core component 100 is inserted through upper opening 1012 A in the manner described above such that USB component 100 is pushed forward until its front edge abuts front wall 1015 - 1 and front section 100 F, and metal contacts 120 are exposed through openings 1017 (as shown in FIG. 25 (B)).
- cover plate 1020 is mounted over upper opening 1012 A and onto platform 1013 A with upper adhesive layer 1035 (also a double sided thermal adhesive tape) disposed between a lower surface of cover plate 1020 and an upper surface of USB core component 100 .
- USB assembly 1000 is shown in front perspective view in FIG. 25 (B) and in rear perspective view in FIG. 25 (C).
- an a ultraviolet light (UV) cured epoxy material is inserted into groove/platform 1013 A, and cover plate 1020 is formed from a transparent or translucent material.
- UV ultraviolet light
- FIG. 26 (A) is an exploded perspective view showing an USB assembly 1100 according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, which includes a two-piece pre-molded plastic casing (case) comprising an upper case portion 1110 A and a lower case portion 1110 B that are formed to receive modular USB core component 100 inside, and an adhesive layer 1130 .
- Upper case portion 1110 A is a substantially box-shaped structure including a relatively wide rear section 1112 A formed by opposing rear side walls 1113 A- 1 and 1113 -A 2 and a rear wall 1113 A- 3 extending downward from an upper wall 1111 A, and a relatively narrow front section 1114 A formed by opposing front side walls 1115 A- 1 and 115 A- 2 .
- Rear section 1112 A and front section 1114 A collectively define an elongated cavity extending between a front opening 1115 A- 3 and rear wall 1113 A- 3 .
- Front section 1114 A includes an upper wall (ribs) 1116 that are disposed between upper edges of front side walls 115 A- 1 and 1115 A- 2 and define elongated openings 1117 therebetween whose purpose is to expose metal contacts 120 of modular USB core component 100 .
- Shallow shoulders 1113 A- 4 are formed at the interface between rear section 1112 A and front section 1114 A.
- a small through-hole 1119 A is defined in upper wall 1111 A.
- Lower case portion 1110 B includes a lower wall 1111 B, a rear section 1112 B formed by short rear side walls 1113 B- 1 and 1113 B- 2 and a rear wall 1113 B- 3 , and a front section 1114 B including a front wall 1115 B- 3 .
- Rear section 1112 B includes opposing side walls 1113 B- 1 and 1113 B- 2 , each including an outwardly facing locking ridge 1118 - 1 (one shown), and a rear wall 1113 B- 3 including an inwardly facing locking ridge 1118 - 3 .
- Front section 1114 B includes a front wall 1115 B- 3 having an inwardly facing locking ridge 1118 - 2 .
- a small through-hole 1119 B is defined in lower wall 1111 B, and is aligned with through-hole 1119 A when upper case portion 1110 A is mounted on lower case portion 1110 B.
- a double sided thermal adhesive epoxy sheet (adhesive layer) 1130 is placed on the inside surface of lower wall 1111 B near front wall 1115 B- 3 , and then USB core component 100 is mounted on lower case portion 1110 B such that its front edge is engaged by ridge 1118 - 2 (the rear edge is disposed on lower wall such that a clear path exists between through-holes 1119 A and 1119 B to allow a small chain or string to loop through to form a key chain holder, or merely uses for hanging ornaments with decorative string.
- Upper case portion 1110 A is then snap coupled onto lower case portion 1110 B such that locking ridge 1118 - 1 (and the locking ridge, not shown, extending from side wall 1113 B- 2 ) are snap-coupled into grooves (not shown) defined in side walls 1113 A- 1 and 1113 A- 2 of upper case portion 1110 A.
- An optional thermal cure procedure is performed to enhance the bond strength of double sided thermal adhesive tape 1130 , thereby further securing lower case portion 1110 B to modular USB core component 100 .
- the completed USB assembly 1100 is shown in front perspective view in FIG. 26 (B), wherein metal contacts 120 are exposed adjacent to front wall 1115 B- 3 through openings 1117 defined between ribs 1116 .
- FIG. 27 (A) is an exploded perspective view showing an USB assembly 1200 according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, which includes a two-piece pre-molded plastic casing (case) comprising an upper case portion 1210 A and a lower case portion 1210 B that are formed to receive modular USB core component 100 inside, and an adhesive layer 1230 .
- Upper case portion 1210 A and lower case 1210 B are similar to case portions 1110 A and 1110 B (discussed above with reference to FIGS. 26 (A) and 26 (B)), but include a few differences mentioned below.
- Upper case portion 1210 A is a substantially box-shaped structure including a relatively wide rear section 1212 A formed by opposing rear side walls 1213 A- 1 and 1213 -A 2 and a rear wall 1213 A- 3 extending downward from an upper wall 1211 A, and a relatively narrow front section 1214 A formed by opposing front side walls 1215 A- 1 and 125 A- 2 .
- Rear section 1212 A and front section 1214 A collectively define an elongated cavity extending between a front opening 1215 A- 3 and rear wall 1213 A- 3 .
- Front section 1214 A includes an upper wall (ribs) 1216 that are disposed between upper edges of front side walls 125 A- 1 and 1215 A- 2 and define elongated openings 1217 therebetween whose purpose is to expose metal contacts 120 of modular USB core component 100 .
- Shallow shoulders 1213 A- 4 are formed at the interface between rear section 1212 A and front section 1214 A.
- Lower case portion 1210 B includes a lower wall 1211 B, a rear section 1212 B formed by short rear side walls 1213 B- 1 and 1213 B- 2 and a rear wall 1213 B- 3 , and a front section 1214 B including a front wall 1215 B- 3 .
- Rear section 1212 B includes opposing side walls 1213 B- 1 and 1213 B- 2 , each including an outwardly facing locking ridge 1218 - 1 (one shown), and a rear wall 1213 B- 3 including an inwardly facing locking ridge 1218 - 3 .
- Front section 1214 B includes a front wall 1215 B- 3 having an inwardly facing locking ridge 1218 - 2 .
- Upper case portion 1210 A and lower case 1210 B differ from case portions 1110 A and 1110 B (discussed above with reference to FIGS. 26 (A) and 26 (B)) in that a circular donut structure 1219 extends from back wall 1213 B- 3 of lower case portion 1210 B to mount a key chain etc., instead of the through-holes used in the embodiment of FIGS. 26 (A) and 26 (B).
- This arrangement allows upper case portion 1210 A and lower case portion 1210 B to be formed such that the internal chamber is somewhat shorter that that of the embodiment of FIGS. 26 (A) and 26 (B), whereby USB core component 100 extends the entire length between front wall 1215 B- 3 and rear wall 1213 B- 3 when mounted on lower case portion 1210 B.
- Assembly 1200 is otherwise assembled in a manner similar to that described above with reference to the embodiment of 26 (A) and 26 (B).
- FIG. 28 (A) is an exploded perspective view showing an USB assembly 1300 according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, which includes a pre-molded plastic bottom piece carrier (case) 1310 , an adhesive layer 1330 , a rear cap 1340 and an optional front cap 1350 that collectively receive and secure modular USB core component 100 .
- Bottom piece carrier 1310 has a bottom wall 1311 , opposing side walls 1313 and 1314 , and opposing end walls 1315 and 1316 that collectively define a trough 1312 .
- Rear cap 1340 includes a lower wall 1341 , an opposing upper wall 1342 , opposing side walls 1343 and 1344 , and a rear wall 1345 that form a box-like structure having an open end 1346 (which is facing away from rear cap 1340 in FIG. 28 (A)).
- Front cap 1350 includes a lower wall 1351 , an opposing upper wall 1352 , opposing side walls 1353 and 1354 , and a rear wall 1346 that form a box-like structure having an open end 1355 .
- double-sided adhesive tape layer 1330 is first placed inside trough 1312 and secured to bottom wall 1311 , then modular USB core component 100 is mounted onto the upper surface of tape layer 1330 .
- Rear cap 1340 is then slid over the partial assembly such that lower wall 1341 is disposed under a portion of lower wall 1311 , and upper wall 1342 covers a rear portion of the upper surface of modular USB core component 100 (i.e., such that a front portion including metal contacts 120 is exposed).
- Front cap 1350 is then optionally removably slid over the front portion of modular USB core component 100 to protect metal contacts 120 during transportation, as indicated in FIG. 28 (B).
- Necessary markings are placed on the both the body (i.e., bottom piece carrier 1310 and/or USB core component 100 ) and/or one or both caps 1340 and 1350 to complete the whole package assembly cycle.
- FIG. 29 (A) is an exploded perspective view showing an USB assembly 1400 according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, which includes a bottom piece carrier (case) 1410 , a lower adhesive layer 1430 , an upper adhesive layer 1435 and a cover plate 1440 that collectively receive and secure modular USB core component 100 .
- Bottom piece carrier 1410 and cover plate 1440 are made of die casted Zinc (Zn), Aluminum (Al) or other metals, and is finished with chromium (Cr) plating to provide a bright and shinning appearance.
- Bottom piece carrier 1410 has a bottom wall 1411 , opposing side walls 1413 and 1414 , and opposing end walls 1415 and 1416 that collectively define a trough 1412 .
- a flange 1418 is disposed adjacent to end wall 1416 that defines a through hole 1419 , which is aligned with a corresponding opening 1439 in upper adhesive layer 1435 and an opening 1449 in cover plate 1440 to allow a small chain or string to loop through to form a key chain holder, or is merely used for hanging ornaments with decorative string.
- double-sided lower adhesive tape layer 1430 is first placed inside trough 1412 and secured to bottom wall 1411 , then modular USB core component 100 is mounted onto the upper surface of tape layer 1430 such that the opposite ends of modular USB core component 100 barely touch end walls 1415 and 1416 .
- Upper adhesive layer 1435 is then mounted on a rear portion of the upper surface of modular USB core component 100 . As indicated in FIG.
- FIG. 30 (A) is an exploded perspective view showing an USB assembly 1500 according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, which includes a bottom piece carrier (case) 1510 , a lower adhesive layer 1530 , an upper adhesive layer 1535 and a cover plate 1540 that collectively receive and secure modular USB core component 100 .
- Bottom piece carrier 1510 and cover plate 1540 are made of die casted Zinc (Zn), Aluminum (Al) or other metals, and is finished with chromium (Cr) plating to provide a bright and shinning appearance.
- Bottom piece carrier 1510 has a bottom wall 1511 , opposing side walls 1513 and 1514 , and opposing end walls 1515 and 1516 that collectively define a trough 1512 .
- a donut hole structure 1519 extends from end wall 1516 and defines a through hole to allow a small chain or string to loop through to form a key chain holder.
- double-sided lower adhesive tape layer 1530 is first placed inside trough 1512 and secured to bottom wall 1511 , then modular USB core component 100 is mounted onto the upper surface of tape layer 1530 such that the opposite ends of modular USB core component 100 barely touch end walls 1515 and 1516 .
- Upper adhesive layer 1535 is then mounted on a rear portion of the upper surface of modular USB core component 100 .
- the final USB memory product is shown in FIG. 30 (B).
- FIG. 31 (A) is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of an USB assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention that utilizes a second step over-molding process to complete the manufacturing process.
- modular USB core component 100 is mounted onto a pre-molded plastic cover 1610 such that an upper surface 101 (i.e., the surface including metal contacts 120 ) faces downward against an upper wall 1611 of cover 1610 .
- Cover 1610 also includes opposing side walls 1613 and 1614 , and opposing end walls 1615 and 1616 that cooperate with upper wall 1611 to collectively define a trough 1612 .
- Upper wall 1611 defines parallel elongated openings 1611 A that are separated by ribs in the manner described above, and positioned such that each metal contact 120 is exposed through a corresponding opening 1611 A when modular USB core component 100 is mounted in trough 1612 .
- a small through-hole 1619 is formed at a 45 degree angle relative to side wall 1613 and end wall 1616 (i.e., in the direction of the small dashed line L 1 ) to allow a small chain or string to loop through to form a key chain holder, or merely uses for hanging ornaments with decorative string.
- FIG. 32 (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 32 - 32 of FIG. 31 (A), and shows the partially formed assembly including modular USB core component 100 and cover 1610 in simplified form.
- a lower surface 103 i.e., the surface of modular USB core component 100 opposite to the metal contacts
- cover 1610 is sized such that small gaps G 1 (shown in FIG. 32 (A)) are provided between the peripheral edges 104 of modular USB core component 100 and walls 1613 , 1614 , 1615 and 1616 of cover 1610 .
- small gaps G 1 shown in FIG. 32 (A)
- lower surface 102 of modular USB core component 100 is disposed below a plane P defined by the lower edges of the peripheral walls (e.g., lower edges 1613 A and 1614 A of side walls 1613 and 1614 ), thereby forming a small gap G 2 between plane P and lower surface 103 .
- FIG. 32 (B) is a simplified cross-sectional view depicting the partially formed assembly including modular USB core component 100 and cover 1610 disposed inside an over-molding (e.g., plastic injection molding) apparatus 1680 .
- Apparatus 1680 includes a base portion 1682 and a die 1684 that collectively form a cavity C for receiving the partial assembly.
- molten plastic P is injected into cavity C through a nozzle (inlet port) 1685 such that the molten plastic flows over lower surface 103 and peripheral surfaces 104 of modular USB core component 100 and into gaps G 1 and G 2 .
- FIGS. 32 (C), 33 (A) and 33 (B) are cross-sectional and perspective views showing the completed USB assembly 1600 after the over-molding process is completed.
- the over-molding process depicted in FIG. 32 (B) forms an over-molded structure 1640 on the modular USB core component 100 such that peripheral portions 1642 of over-molded structure 1640 are disposed on peripheral edges 104 of the modular USB core component 100 (i.e., disposed between peripheral edges 104 of modular USB core component 100 and peripheral side walls 1613 , 1614 , 1615 and 1616 of cover 1610 ), and a lower wall portion 1644 of over-molded structure 1640 is disposed on lower surface 103 of modular USB core component 100 , wherein metal contacts 120 of modular USB core component 120 face away from over-molded structure 1640 and are exposed through openings 1611 A formed in lower wall 1611 of pre-molded plastic cover 1610 .
- FIGS. 34 (A) and 34 (B) are simplified cross-sectional views showing the production of a USB assembly 1700 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
- the assembly process used in this embodiment is similar to the over-molding process embodiment described directly above, but does not employ the pre-molded plastic housing.
- modular USB core component 100 is mounted inside an over-molding (e.g., plastic injection molding) apparatus 1780 such that metal contacts 120 abut base 1782 .
- Apparatus 1780 includes a base portion 1782 and a die 1784 that collectively form a cavity formed such that gaps G 3 and G 4 are respectively formed between the peripheral surfaces 104 and lower surface 103 of USB core component 100 and facing walls of die 1784 .
- the completed assembly 1700 includes an over-molded structure 1740 formed on the modular USB core component 100 such that peripheral portions 1742 of over-molded structure 1640 are disposed on peripheral edges 104 of the modular USB core component 100 , and a lower wall portion 1744 of over-molded structure 1740 is disposed on lower surface 103 of modular USB core component 100 , wherein metal contacts 120 of modular USB core component 120 face away from over-molded structure 1740 .
- An optional through-hole (not shown) is also molded to connect two facet of over mold side walls at 45 degree angle in a manner similar to that described above, and this hole allows a small chain or string to loop through to form a key chain holder, or merely uses for hanging ornaments with decorative string.
- FIG. 35 illustrates an assembly 1800 according to another embodiment of the present invention in which any of the above-described USB assemblies (e.g., USB assembly 700 ) further includes a carrying case 1810 .
- Carrying case 1810 includes a rectangular block shape body having a thickness slightly thicker than USB assembly 700 .
- An upper wall 1811 of carrying case 1810 defines a large through-hole 1812 that is larger than assembly 700 to facilitate insertion thereof, and includes a cover portion 1811 and a front wall 1813 that form a cavity (not shown) for receiving front end portion 1712 of USB assembly 700 .
- a lower sill (flange) 1814 is disposed around a lower end of through-hole 1812 , and serves as a resting place (stopper) for USB assembly 700 after insertion.
- Carrying case 1810 includes two oval shaped through-holes 1815 designed to receive a chain or string to form a key chain holder, or merely uses for hanging ornaments with decorative string.
- a thin elevated plate 1817 is formed on a back edge of opening 1812 and has a plurality of ribs to improve the frictional property and the sense of touch for finger grip.
- USB assembly 700 is inserted in the direction indicated by the dashed-line arrow in FIG. 35 with metal contacts 120 tilted at an angle sloping relative to carrying case 1810 , and front end portion 712 is then inserted into opening 712 .
- USB assembly 700 is pressed down (i.e., rotated toward carrying case 1810 ) until the bottom surface of USB assembly 700 is firmly resting on sill 1814 .
- the bottom side of memory card 700 is pushed via the bottom side of through-hole 1812 using a finger.
- the rear portion 714 of memory card 700 is grasped and pulled from carrying case 1810 .
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application for “Electronic Data Storage Medium with Fingerprint Verification Capability”, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/624,667, filed Jan. 18, 2007, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application for “Electronic Data Storage Medium with Fingerprint Verification Capability”, U.S. application Ser. No. 09/478,720 filed Jan. 6, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,257,714, which has been petitioned claiming benefit of Continuation-In-Process status of one of inventor's earlier U.S. patent application for “INTEGRATED CIRCUIT CARD WITH FINGERPRINT VERIFICATION CAPABILITY”, U.S. application Ser. No. 09/366,976, filed Aug. 4, 1999, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,130.
- This application is also a CIP of U.S. patent application for “Molding Methods To Manufacture Single-Chip Chip-On-Board USB Device” U.S. application Ser. No. 11/773,830, filed Jul. 5, 2007, which is a CIP of U.S. patent application for “Low-Profile USB Device”, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/112,501, filed on Apr. 21, 2005.
- This application is also a CIP of U.S. patent application for “USB Device with Integrated USB Plug with USB-substrate Supporter Inside”, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/309,847, filed on Oct. 12, 2006, which is a (CIP) of U.S. patent application for “Electronic Data Storage Medium with Fingerprint Verification Capability”, U.S. Ser. No. 09/478,720, filed Jan. 6, 2000.
- This invention relates to portable electronic devices, and more particularly to portable electronic devices such as those that utilize the Universal-Serial-Bus (USB) specification.
- In the past, confidential data files were stored in floppy disks or were delivered via networks that require passwords or that use encryption coding for security. Confidential documents can be sent by adding safety seals and impressions during delivering. However, the aforesaid are exposed to the risks of breaking of the passwords, encryption codes, safety seals and impressions, thereby resulting in unsecure transfer of information.
- More recently, there is an ongoing trend towards the use of miniaturized, portable computer peripheral devices to store confidential data. In certain cases, such peripheral devices have been reduced to “pocket size”, meaning that they can literally be carried in a user's pocket in the same manner as a wallet or set of keys. One example of particular interest, in which context the present invention will be described herein, is a “flash disk”, or “Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive”.
- The proliferation of portable computer peripheral devices, such as USB flash drives, has made the production of USB flash drives very cost sensitive. For example, there is currently a strong demand for high quality USB devices that are very low in cost. Accordingly, there is an ever increasing need for computer peripheral devices that are reliable and inexpensive to produce.
- What is needed is a portable computer peripheral device that overcomes the problems associated with conventional structures. What is particularly needed is a high quality USB device that has a very low production cost.
- The present invention is directed to high quality USB devices (or other electronic data storage medium) that include an external case that is mounted or otherwise formed over a modular USB core component. The modular USB component includes a card body (i.e., a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA)) and a single-piece molded housing that encases all passive components and integrated circuit (IC) components of the PCBA, which include a non-volatile memory device, a card reader interface circuit and a processing unit (e.g., a USB controller) that are implemented using one or more integrated circuit (IC) die(s) mounted on said card body. All of the components encased by the single-piece molded housing are formed on a selected surface of the card body, and standard USB metal contacts are disposed on an opposing surface that is exposed outside of the molded housing (i.e., the components are only mounted on a side of the card body that is opposite to the metal contacts). In one embodiment, the housing has a planar surface that is parallel to the PCB and extends along the entire length of the USB device (e.g., from a front edge of the plug structure to a rear edge of the handle structure), thus providing a flat (thin) structure that can be easily incorporated into a USB assembly. The modular USB component is then inserted into any of a number of different cases, thereby facilitating the production of a wide range of USB device assemblies in an inexpensive manner.
- According to an aspect of the invention, passive components are mounted onto the PCB using one or more standard surface mount technology (SMT) techniques, and one or more IC die (e.g., an USB controller IC die and a flash memory die) are mounted using chip-on-board (COB) techniques. During the SMT process, the SMT-packaged passive components (e.g., capacitors, oscillators, and light emitting diodes) are mounted onto contact pads disposed on the PCB, and then known solder reflow techniques are utilized to connect leads of the passive components to the contact pads. During the subsequent COB process, the IC dies are secured onto the PCB using know die-bonding techniques, and then electrically connected to corresponding contact pads using, e.g., known wire bonding techniques. After the COB process is completed, the housing is formed over the passive components and IC dies using plastic molding techniques. By combining SMT and COB manufacturing techniques to produce modular USB core components, the present invention provides several advantages over conventional manufacturing methods that utilize SMT techniques only. First, by utilizing COB techniques to mount the USB controller and flash memory, the large PCB area typically taken up by SMT-packaged controllers and flash devices is dramatically reduced, thereby facilitating significant miniaturization of the resulting USB device footprint (i.e., providing a shorter device length and thinner device width). Second, the IC die height is greatly reduced, thereby facilitating stacked memory arrangements that greatly increase memory capacity of the USB devices without increasing the USB device footprint. Further, overall manufacturing costs are reduced by utilizing unpackaged controllers and flash devices (i.e., by eliminating the cost associated with SMT-package normally provided on the controllers and flash devices). Moreover, the molded housing provides greater moisture and water resistance and higher impact force resistance than that achieved using conventional manufacturing methods. Therefore, the combined COB and SMT method according to the present invention provides a less expensive and higher quality (i.e., more reliable) memory product with a smaller size than that possible using conventional SMT-only manufacturing methods.
- According to an embodiment of the invention, a modular USB core component utilizes a single-chip controller/flash die that includes both a controller circuit and one or more flash block mass storage circuits that are interconnected by a bus. The controller circuit includes an input/output (I/O) interface circuit that facilitates sending and receiving commands and data to/from a host, and a flash-memory controller that facilitates sending and receiving sends data over the internal bus to/from the flash mass storage blocks. By combining the controller and flash memory circuits, external pins are not required, thereby further reducing the PCB area required for controller and flash memory devices, thus facilitating further miniaturization of USB devices formed in accordance with the present invention.
- According to first specific embodiments of the invention, the case in which the modular USB core component is housed is a single-piece, pre-molded plastic casing that includes a relatively narrow front section and a relatively wide rear section that collectively define a cavity into which the modular USB core component is inserted. In one embodiment the front section includes a series of ribs that cover the front end of the modular USB core component and define elongated through-holes disposed such that only the metal contacts of the modular USB core component are exposed. In an alternative embodiment the front section of the case defines a large opening such that the entire front section of the modular USB core component is exposed. The rear section of the case defines an upper opening for insertion of the modular USB core component, and a cover plate is secured over the upper opening by one of a snap-coupling mechanism, a weld structure, and a thermal cure adhesive layer. In one embodiment, a UV sensitive epoxy material is used to secure the cover plate, which is made from a transparent or translucent material to facilitate the UV-cure process.
- According to second specific embodiments of the invention, the case in which the modular USB core component is housed is a two-piece, pre-molded plastic casing that includes a lower case portion and an upper case portion that is mounted (e.g., snap coupled) onto the lower case portion, wherein the modular USB core component is disposed in a cavity defined by the upper case portion and the lower case portion. The upper case portion includes a plurality of ribs respectively separated by elongated openings, and the metal contacts of the modular USB core component are exposed through corresponding ones of the elongated openings.
- According to third specific embodiments of the invention, the case in which the modular USB core component is housed includes a bottom piece carrier that receives the modular USB core component such that its upper surface is exposed. In one embodiment, a rear cover having a slot defined therein is mounted over a rear portion of the carrier/core component such that a front portion of the modular USB core component (i.e., the metal contacts) is exposed, and an optional front cap is mounted over the front portion to protect the metal contacts during transport. In another embodiment, a rear cover plate is mounted over a rear portion of the core component by way of an adhesive such that a front portion of the modular USB core component (i.e., the metal contacts) is exposed. In alternative embodiments, a through hole is defined through the rear cover plate and the bottom piece carrier or a circular donut structure extends from a back wall of the bottom piece carrier to facilitate connection of a key chain.
- According to another embodiment, the modular USB core component is subjected to an over-molding process to form or otherwise complete the case that houses the USB core component. In one specific embodiment the modular USB core component is first mounted inside a pre-molded plastic casing such that the metal contacts of the USB core component are exposed through openings formed in the plastic casing. The partial assembly including the USB core component and the plastic casing is then inserted into the cavity of an injection molding apparatus, which injects molten plastic onto a lower surface of the modular USB core component to form an over-molded structure that secures the modular USB core component to the pre-molded plastic casing. In another specific embodiment the over-molded structure is formed directly onto the modular USB core component (i.e., no pre-molded casing is used).
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, any of the above-described USB assemblies further includes a carrying case for securely carrying the USB assembly such that the metal contacts are protected from damage and contamination.
- Thus, the present invention facilitates the production of low-cost, highly reliable, high capacity USB apparatus having aesthetic casing designs that easily and conveniently incorporate the short, modular USB core component.
- These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit block diagram illustrating an electronic data storage medium according an embodiment of the present invention; - FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B) are perspective top and cross sectional side views showing an exemplary modular USB device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
-
FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing a method for producing the modular USB device of FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B) according to another embodiment of the present invention; - FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) are bottom and top perspective views showing a PCB panel utilized in the method of
FIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view depicting a surface mount technology (SMT) process for mounting passive components on a PCB according to the method ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 6 is a top perspective views showing the PCB panel ofFIG. 4 (B) after the SMT process is completed; -
FIG. 7 is a simplified perspective view showing a semiconductor wafer including integrated circuits (ICs) utilized in the method ofFIG. 3 ; - FIGS. 8(A), 8(B) and 8(C) are simplified cross-sectional side views depicting a process of grinding and dicing the wafer of
FIG. 7 to produce IC dies; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view depicting a die bonding process utilized to mount the IC dies ofFIG. 8 (C) on a PCB according to the method ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 10 is a top perspective views showing the PCB panel ofFIG. 4 (B) after the die bonding process is completed; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view depicting a wire bonding process utilized to connect the IC dies ofFIG. 8 (C) to corresponding contact pads disposed on a PCB according to the method ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 12 is a top perspective views showing the PCB panel ofFIG. 4 (B) after the wire bonding process is completed; - FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B) are simplified cross-sectional side views depicting a molding process for forming a molded housing over the PCB panel of
FIG. 4 (B) according to the method ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 14 is a top perspective views showing the PCB panel ofFIG. 4 (B) after the molding process is completed; -
FIG. 15 is simplified cross-sectional side view depicting a singulation process for separating the PCB panel ofFIG. 4 (B) into individual USB devices according to the method ofFIG. 3 ; - FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B) are bottom and top perspective views showing USB devices after the singulation process of
FIG. 3 is completed; - FIGS. 17(A) and 17(B) are bottom and top perspective views showing the modular USB device of FIG. 16(A) after a marking process is performed in accordance with the method of
FIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 18 is simplified cross-sectional side view showing a modular USB device including stacked-memory according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 19 is simplified cross-sectional side view showing a single-chip modular USB device according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a flash microcontroller integrated circuit die with flash mass storage blocks; -
FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view showing a USB assembly with a full metal case according to another embodiment of the present invention; - FIGS. 22(A) and 22(B) are front perspective and rear perspective views showing the USB assembly of
FIG. 21 in an assembled state; - FIGS. 23(A), 23(B) and 23(C) are exploded perspective, front assembled perspective and rear assembled perspective views showing a USB assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;
- FIGS. 24(A), 24(B) and 24(C) are exploded perspective, front assembled perspective and rear assembled perspective views showing a USB assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;
- FIGS. 25(A) and 25(B) are exploded perspective and front assembled perspective views showing a USB assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;
- FIGS. 26(A) and 26(B) are exploded perspective and front assembled perspective views showing a USB assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;
- FIGS. 27(A) and 27(B) are exploded perspective and front assembled perspective views showing a USB assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;
- FIGS. 28(A) and 28(B) are exploded perspective and front assembled perspective views showing a USB assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;
- FIGS. 29(A) and 29(B) are exploded perspective and front assembled perspective views showing a USB assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;
- FIGS. 30(A) and 30(B) are exploded perspective and front assembled perspective views showing a USB assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;
- FIGS. 31(A) and 31(B) are exploded perspective and bottom assembled perspective views showing a partial USB assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;
- FIGS. 32(A), 32(B) and 32(C) are cross-sectional views showing an over-molding process for generating a completed USB assembly utilizing the partial USB assembly of
FIG. 31 (B); - FIGS. 33(A) and 33(B) are top and bottom perspective views showing the completed USB assembly of
FIG. 32 (B); - FIGS. 34(A) and 34(B) are cross-sectional views showing an over-molding process for generating a completed USB assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; and
-
FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view showing an USB assembly including a carrying case. - The present invention relates to an improved method for manufacturing USB devices, and in particular to USB assemblies manufactured by the method. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention as provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. As used herein, the terms “upper”, “upwards”, “lower”, and “downward” are intended to provide relative positions for purposes of description, and are not intended to designate an absolute frame of reference. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment will be apparent to those with skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments shown and described, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features herein disclosed.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronicdata storage card 10 is adapted to be accessed by an external (host)computer 9 either via anoptional card reader 12 or other interface mechanism, and includes acard body 1, aprocessing unit 2, one or moreflash memory devices 3, afingerprint sensor 4, an input/output interface circuit 5, anoptional display unit 6, a power source (e.g., battery) 7, and a function key set 8. -
Flash memory device 3 is mounted on thecard body 1, and stores in a known manner therein a data file, a reference password, and fingerprint reference data obtained by scanning a fingerprint of a person authorized to access the data file. The data file can be a picture file or a text file. - The
fingerprint sensor 4 is mounted on thecard body 1, and is adapted to scan a fingerprint of a user of electronicdata storage card 10 and to generate fingerprint scan data. One example of thefingerprint sensor 4 that can be used in the present invention is that disclosed in a co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,130, entitled “INTEGRATED CIRCUIT CARD WITH FINGERPRINT VERIFICATION CAPABILITY”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The fingerprint sensor described in the above patent includes an array of scan cells that defines a fingerprint scanning area. The fingerprint scan data includes a plurality of scan line data obtained by scanning corresponding lines of array of scan cells. The lines of array of scan cells are scanned in a row direction as well as column direction of said array. Each of the scan cells generates a first logic signal upon detection of a ridge in the fingerprint of the holder of card body, and a second logic signal upon detection of a valley in the fingerprint of the holder of card body. - The input/output interface circuit 5 is mounted on the
card body 1, and is activable so as to establish communication with theexternal computer 9 by way of anoptional card reader 12 or via an appropriate socket. In one embodiment, input/output interface circuit 5 includes circuits and control logic associated with an Universal Serial Bus (USB), PCMCIA or RS232 interface structure that is connectable to an associated socket connected to or mounted onhost computer 9. In another embodiment, input/output interface circuit 5 may include one of a Secure Digital (SD) interface circuit, a Multi-Media Card (MMC) interface circuit, a CompactFlash (CF) interface circuit, a Memory Stick (MS) interface circuit, a PCI-Express interface circuit, a Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) interface circuit, and a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface circuit, which interface withhost computer 9 viaoptional card reader 12 according to known techniques. - The
processing unit 2 is mounted on thecard body 1, and is connected to thememory device 3, thefingerprint sensor 4 and the input/output interface circuit 5 by way of associated conductive traces or wires disposed oncard body 1. In one embodiment, processingunit 2 is one of an 8051, 8052, 80286 microprocessor available, for example, from Intel Corporation. In other embodiments, processingunit 2 includes a RISC, ARM, MIPS or other digital signal processor. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, processingunit 2 is controlled by a program stored at least partially inflash memory device 3 such thatprocessing unit 2 is operable selectively in: (1) a programming mode, where theprocessing unit 2 activates the input/output interface circuit 5 to receive the data file and the fingerprint reference data from thehost computer 9, and to store the data file and the fingerprint reference data in thememory device 3 in a compressed format to increase storage capacity of thememory device 3; (2) a data retrieving mode, where theprocessing unit 2 receives the fingerprint scan data from thefingerprint sensor 4, compares the fingerprint scan data with at least a segment of the fingerprint reference data in thememory device 3 to verify if the user of the electronic data storage card is authorized to access the data file stored in thememory device 3, and activates the input/output interface circuit 5 to transmit the data file to thehost computer 9 upon verifying that the user of the electronic data storage card is authorized to access the data file stored in thememory device 3; and (3) a data resetting mode, where the data file and the finger reference data are erased from thememory device 3. In operation,host computer 9 sends write and read requests to electronicdata flash card 10 viaoptional card reader 12 and input/output interface circuit 5 to theprocessing unit 2, which in turn utilizes a flash memory controller (not shown) to read from or write to the associated one or moreflash memory device 3. In one embodiment, theprocessing unit 2 automatically initiates operation in the data resetting mode upon detecting that a preset time period has elapsed since storage of the data file and the fingerprint reference data in thememory device 3. - The
optional power source 7 is mounted on thecard body 1, and is connected to theprocessing unit 2 for supplying electrical power thereto. - The function key set 8, which is mounted on the
card body 1, is connected to theprocessing unit 2, and is operable so as to initiate operation of theprocessing unit 2 in a selected one of the programming, data retrieving and data resetting modes. The function key set 8 is operable to provide an input password to theprocessing unit 2. Theprocessing unit 2 compares the input password with the reference password in theflash memory device 3, and initiates operation in the data resetting mode upon verifying that the input password corresponds with the reference password. - The
optional display unit 6 is mounted on thecard body 1, and is connected to and controlled by theprocessing unit 2 for showing the data file exchanged with theexternal computer 9 and the operating status of electronicdata storage card 10. - As set forth in the specific embodiments below, the present invention is directed to portable computer peripheral devices that are connected by plug connectors to host computer systems (e.g., computer 90; see
FIG. 1 ) to perform the programming, data retrieving and data resetting functions similar to those described above. In particular, as described below with reference to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 2-35 , the present invention is directed to peripheral devices in which a modular Universal-Serial-Bus (USB)core component 10 is formed that can be inserted into any of a number of different housings, thereby facilitating the production of a wide range of USB device assemblies in an inexpensive manner. At least some of the components of electronic data storage card 10 (e.g., card body (PCB) 1, processingunit 2,non-volatile memory device 3 and card reader interface circuit 5) are implemented in the embodiment described below using USB equivalent circuits. - FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B) are perspective and cross-sectional side views showing an exemplary modular
USB core component 100 that is utilized in the manufacture of USB assemblies according to the present invention.USB core component 100 generally includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 110 and aplastic housing 150 that is molded ontoPCBA 110. Referring to the upper portion ofFIG. 1 (A),PCBA 110 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 111 including aPCB handle section 112 at a rear end ofPCB 111, and aPCB plug section 114 at a front end ofPCB 111.PCB 111 is a substantially flat substrate, and has opposing sides that are referred to below as upper (first)surface 116 and lower (second)surface 118. Formed onupper surface 116 inplug section 114 are fourmetal contacts 120.Metal contacts 120 are shaped and arranged in a pattern established by the USB specification.PCB 111 is formed in accordance with known PCB manufacturing techniques such thatmetal contacts 120, IC dies 130 and 135, andpassive components conductive traces - According to an aspect of the invention, passive components are mounted onto
lower surface 118 using one or more standard surface mount technology (SMT) techniques, and one or more integrated circuit (IC) die (e.g., control IC die 130 and flash memory die 135) are mounted using chip-on-board (COB) techniques. As indicated inFIG. 1 (B), during the SMT process, the passive components, such ascapacitors 142,oscillator 144 and alight emitting diode 146, are mounted onto contact pads (described below) disposed onlower surface 118, and are then secured to the contact pads using known solder reflow techniques. To facilitate the SMT process, each of the passive components is packaged in any of the multiple known (preferably lead-free) SMT packages (e.g., ball grid array (BGA) or thin small outline package (TSOP)). In contrast, IC dies 130 and 135 are unpackaged, semiconductor “chips” that are mounted ontosurface 118 and electrically connected to corresponding contact pads using known COB techniques. For example, as indicated inFIG. 1 (B), control IC die 130 is electrically connected toPCB 111 by way of wire bonds 160-1 that are formed using known techniques. Similarly, flash memory IC die 135 is electrically connected toPCB 111 by way of wire bonds 160-2.Passive components metal contacts 120 are operably interconnected by way of metal traces 131 and 136 that are formed on and inPCB 111 using known techniques, a few of which being depicted inFIG. 1 (A) in a simplified manner by short dashed lines. -
Housing 150 comprises molded plastic arranged such that substantially all of the plastic used to formhousing 150 is located below (i.e., on one side of)PCB 111.Housing 150 includes aperipheral surface 151 extending downward (i.e., perpendicular to PCB 111), and alower surface 152 that extends parallel toPCB 111. For discussion purposes, the portion ofperipheral surface 151 surroundinghandle section 112 ofPCB 111 is referred to below as handle surface section 151-1, and the section ofperipheral surface 151 surroundingplug section 114 ofPCB 111 is referred to below as plug surface section 151-2. Similarly, the portion oflower surface 152 coveringhandle section 112 ofPCB 111 is referred to below as handle surface section 152-1, and the section oflower surface 152 coveringplug section 114 ofPCB 111 is referred to below as plug cover section 152-2. - Referring again to
FIG. 1 (A), ahandle structure 102 ofUSB core component 100 is defined by handle surface section 151-1, handle surface section 152-1, and the exposedupper surface 116 ofPCB handle section 112. Similarly, aplug structure 105 of ModularUSB core component 100 is defined by plug surface section 151-2, plug surface section 152-2, and the exposedupper surface 116 ofPCB plug section 114. - Referring to FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), a thickness T1 and width W1 of
plug structure 105 is selected to produce a secure (snug) fit inside the plug portion of an external case (discussed below). - As indicated in
FIG. 2 (B), according to another aspect of the present invention,housing 150 includes aplanar surface 152 that is parallel toPCB 111, and defines a single plane such that a first thickness T1 of plug structure 105 (i.e., measured betweenupper PCB surface 116 andplanar surface 152 adjacent to metal contacts 120) is substantially equal to a second thickness T2 of handle section 102 (i.e., measured betweenupper PCB surface 116 andplanar surface 152 adjacent toIC 135. That is, as indicated inFIG. 1 (B), modularUSB core component 100 is substantially flat along its entire length (i.e., from rear edge 151-1A to front edge 151-1B). The term “substantially flat” is meant to indicate thatplanar surface 152 is substantially parallel to an uppermost surface of modularUSB core component 100 along its entire length. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B), the uppermost surface of modularUSB core component 100 is defined in part byupper surface 116 ofPCB 111, which is parallel toplanar surface 152 along the entire length ofUSB core component 100. Similarly, the term “substantially flat” is also intended to cover embodiments described below in which the housing includes a thin wall structure that is formed on or otherwise contacts the upper surface of the PCB. In these embodiments, the thickness T2 ofhandle structure 102 may differ by a small amount (e.g., 5% from thickness T1 ofplug structure 105. - According to an aspect of the present invention, the “flatness” associated with modular
USB core component 100 is achieved by mounting all of the IC dies (“chips”) and other electronic components of modularUSB core component 100 onlower surface 118 of PCB 111 (i.e., on the side opposite to metal contacts 120). That is, the minimum overall thickness of modularUSB core component 100 is determined by the thickness T1 that is required to maintain a snug connection betweenplug structure 105 and female USB socket connector (not shown). Because this arrangement requires thatmetal contacts 120 be located at the uppermost surface, and that plug wall section 151-2 plug and cover section 152-2 extend a predetermined distance belowPCB 111 to provide the required thickness T1. Thus, the overall thickness of modularUSB core component 100 can be minimized by mounting the IC dies 130 and 135 and passive components (e.g., capacitor 142) only onlower surface 118 ofPCB 111. That is, if the IC dies and passive components are mounted onupper surface 116, then the overall thickness of the resulting USB structure would be the required thickness T1 plus the thickness that the ICs extend above PCB 111 (plus the thickness of a protective wall, if used). - According to another aspect associated with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B),
upper surface 116 ofPCB 111 is entirely exposed on the upper surface of modularUSB core component 100, thus facilitating the production ofUSB core component 100 with a maximum thickness equal to thickness T1 ofplug structure 105. That is, becausemetal contacts 120 are formed onupper surface 116, andupper surface 116 defines the higher end of required plug structure thickness T1, the overall height of modularUSB core component 100 can be minimized by exposing upper surface 116 (i.e., by making any point onupper PCB surface 116 the uppermost point of modular USB core component 100). As indicated inFIG. 2 (A), in accordance with feature specifically associated with modularUSB core component 100,peripheral wall 151 extends around and covers the peripheral side edges ofPCB 111, and an upper edge ofperipheral wall 151 is coplanar withupper surface 116 ofPCB 111. By covering the peripheral side edge ofPCB 111,peripheral wall 151 prevents objects from wedging betweenPCB 111 andhousing 150, thereby preventing undesirable separation ofPCBA 110 fromhousing 150. -
FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing a method for producing modularUSB core component 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Summarizing the novel method, a PCB panel is generated using known techniques (block 210), passive components are mounted on the PCB panel using SMT techniques (block 225), and the IC dies are die bonded (block 236) and wire bonded (block 238) using known COB techniques. Molten plastic is then used to form a molded housing over the passive components and the IC dies (block 240). Then PCB panel is then singulated (cut) in to separate USB devices (block 250), the individual USB devices are marked (block 260), and then the USB devices are tested, packed and shipped (block 270) according to customary practices. This method provides several advantages over conventional manufacturing methods that utilize SMT techniques only. First, by utilizing COB techniques to mount the USB controller and flash memory, the large amount of space typically taken up by these devices is dramatically reduced, thereby facilitating significant miniaturization of the resulting USB device footprint. Second, by implementing the wafer grinding methods described below, the die height is greatly reduced, thereby facilitating stacked memory arrangements such as those described below with reference toFIG. 18 . The molded housing also provides greater moisture and water resistance and higher impact force resistance than that achieved using conventional manufacturing methods. In comparison to the standard USB memory card manufacturing that used SMT process, it is cheaper to use the combined COB and SMT (plus molding) processes described herein because, in the SMT-only manufacturing process, the bill of materials such as Flash memory and the Controller chip are also manufactured by COB process, so all the COB costs are already factored into the packaged memory chip and controller chip. Therefore, the combined COB and SMT method according to the present invention provides a less expensive and higher quality (i.e., more reliable) memory product with a smaller size than that possible using conventional SMT-only manufacturing methods. - The flow diagram of
FIG. 3 will now be described in additional detail below with reference to FIGS. 4(A) to 17(B). - Referring to the upper portion of
FIG. 3 , the manufacturing method begins with filling a bill of materials including producing/procuring PCB panels (block 210), producing/procuring passive (discrete) components (block 212) such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, LEDs and oscillators that are packaged for SMT processing, and producing/procuring a supply of IC wafers (or individual IC dies). - FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, showing a PCB panel 300 (t0) provided in
block 210 ofFIG. 3 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. The suffix “tx” is utilized herein to designated the state of the PCB panel during the manufacturing process, with “t0” designating an initial state. Sequentially higher numbered prefixes (e.g., “t1”, “t2” and “t3”) indicate thatPCB panel 300 has undergone additional processing. - As indicated in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), PCB panel 300 (t0) includes a two-by-nine matrix of regions designated as
PCBs 111, each having the features described above with reference to FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B).FIG. 4 (A) showsupper surface 116 of each PCB 111 (e.g.,upper surface 116 of panel 111-1 includes metal contacts 120), andFIG. 4 (B) showslower surface 118 of eachPCB 111. Note thatlower surface 118 of each PCB 111 (e.g., PCB 111-1) includesmultiple contact pads 119 arranged in predetermined patterns for facilitating SMT and COB processes, as described below. - As indicated in
FIG. 4 (A), in addition to the two rows ofPCBs 111, panel 300 (t0) includesend border regions 310 andside border regions 320 that surround thePCBs 111, and acentral region 340 disposed between the two rows ofPCBs 111. Designated cut lines are scored or otherwise partially cut into PCB panel 300 (t0) along the borders of each of these regions, but do not pass through the panel material. For example, end cutlines 311 separateend border panels 310 from associatedPCBs 111, side cutlines 321 separateside border panels 310 from associatedPCBs 111, andcentral cut lines 341 separatecentral region 340 from associatedPCBs 111. PCB cutlines 331 are formed along the side edges betweenadjacent PCBs 111. The border panels are provided with positioning holes and other features known to those skilled in the art to facilitate the manufacturing process, and are removed during singulation (described below). - Note that PCBs for USB devices that are produced using SMT-only manufacturing processes must be significantly wider than
PCBs 111 due to the space required to mount already packaged flash memory devices. As such, PCB panels for SMT-only manufacturing methods typically include only twelve PCBs arranged in a 2×6 matrix. By utilizing COB methods to mount the flash memory, the present invention facilitates significantlynarrower PCB 111, thereby allowing each PCB panel 300 (t0) to include 18PCBs 111 arranged in a 2×9 matrix. By increasing the number ofPCBs 111 per PCB panel, the present invention provides shorter manufacturing time and hence lower cost. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view depicting a portion of a SMT process that is used to mount passive components on PCB 111-1 according to block 220 ofFIG. 3 . During the first stage of the SMT process, lead-free solder paste is printed on contact pads 119-1, 119-2 and 119-3, which in the present example correspond toSMT components SMT components FIG. 6 shows the resulting sub-assembled PCB panel 300 (t1), in which each PCB 111 (e.g., PCB 111-1) includespassive components -
FIG. 7 is a simplified perspective view showing a semiconductor wafer 400 (t0) procured or fabricated according to block 214 ofFIG. 3 . Wafer 400 (t0) includesmultiple ICs 430 that are formed in accordance with known photolithographic fabrication (e.g., CMOS) techniques on asemiconductor base 401. In the example described below, wafer 400 (t1) includesICs 430 that comprise USB controller circuits. In a related procedure, a wafer (not shown) similar to wafer 400 (t1) is produced/procured that includes flash memory circuits, and in an alternative embodiment (described in additional detail below),ICs 430 may include both USB controller circuits and flash memory circuits. In each instance, these wafers are processed as described herein with reference to FIGS. 8(A), 8(B) and 8(C). - As indicated in FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B), during a wafer back grind process according to block 242 of
FIG. 3 ,base 401 is subjected to a grinding process in order to reduce the overall initial thickness TW1 of eachIC 430. Wafer 400 (t1) is first mount face down on sticky tape (i.e., such that base layer 401 (t0) faces away from the tape), which is pre-taped on a metal or plastic ring frame (not shown). The ring-frame/wafer assembly is then loaded onto a vacuum chuck (not shown) having a very level, flat surface, and has diameter larger than that of wafer 400 (t0). The base layer is then subjected to grinding until, as indicated inFIG. 8 (B), wafer 400 (t1) has a preprogrammed thickness TW2 that is less than initial thickness TW1 (shown inFIG. 8 (A)). The wafer is cleaned using de-ionized (DI) water during the process, and wafer 400 (t1) is subjected to a flush clean with more DI water at the end of mechanical grinding process, followed by spinning at high speed to air dry wafer 400 (t1). - Next, as shown in
FIG. 8 (C), the wafer is diced (cut apart) along predefined border regions separating ICs 420 in order to produce IC dies 130 according to block 244 ofFIG. 3 . After the back grind process has completed, the sticky tape at the front side of wafer 400 (t1) is removed, and wafer 400 (t1) is mounted onto another ring frame having sticky tape provided thereon, this time with the backside of the newly grinded wafer contacting the tape. The ring framed wafers are then loaded into a die saw machine. The die saw machine is pre-programmed with the correct die size information, X-axis and Y-axis scribe lanes' width, wafer thickness and intended over cut depth. A proper saw blade width is then selected based on the widths of the XY scribe lanes. The cutting process begins dicing the first lane of the X-axis of the wafer. De-ionized wafer is flushing at the proper angle and pressure around the blade and wafer contact point to wash and sweep away the silicon saw dust while the saw is spinning and moving along the scribe lane. The sawing process will index to the second lane according to the die size and scribe width distance. After all the X-axis lanes have been completed sawing, the wafer chuck with rotate 90 degree to align the Y-axis scribe lanes to be cut. The cutting motion repeated until all the scribe lanes on the Y-axis have been completed. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view depicting a die bonding process utilized to mount the controller IC dies 130 ofFIG. 8 (C) and flash memory IC dies 135 on PCB 111-1 of the PCB panel according to block 246 ofFIG. 3 . The die bonding process is performed on PCB panel 300 (t1) (seeFIG. 6 ), that is, after completion of the SMT process. The die bonding process generally involves mounting controller IC dies 130 intolower surface region 118A, which is surrounded by contact pads 119-5, and mounting flash IC dies 135 intolower surface region 118B, which is disposed between rows of contact pads 119-6. In one specific embodiment, an operator loads IC dies 130 and 135 onto a die bonder machine according to known techniques. The operator also loads multiple PCB panels 300 (t1) onto the magazine rack of the die bonder machine. The die bonder machine picks the first PCB panel 300 (t1) from the bottom stack of the magazine and transports the selected PCB panel from the conveyor track to the die bond (DB) epoxy dispensing target area. The magazine lowers a notch automatically to get ready for the machine to pick up the second piece (the new bottom piece) in the next cycle of die bond operation. At the die bond epoxy dispensing target area, the machine automatically dispenses DB epoxy, using pre-programmed write pattern and speed with the correct nozzle size, onto thetarget areas PCB 111 of PCB panel 300 (t1). When allPCBs 111 have completed this epoxy dispensing process, the PCB panel is conveyed to a die bond (DB) target area. Meanwhile, at the input stage, the magazine is loading a second PCB panel to this vacant DB epoxy dispensing target area. At the die bond target area, the pick up arm mechanism and collet (suction head with rectangular ring at the perimeter so that vacuum from the center can create a suction force) picks up anIC die 130 and bonds it ontoarea 118A, where epoxy has already dispensed for the bonding purpose, and this process is then performed to place IC die 135 intoregion 118B. Once all thePCB boards 111 on the PCB panel have completed die bonding process, the PCB panel is then conveyed to a snap cure region, where the PCB panel passes through a chamber having a heating element that radiates heat having a temperature that is suitable to thermally cure the epoxy. After curing, the PCB panel is conveyed into the empty slot of the magazine waiting at the output rack of the die bonding machine. The magazine moves up one slot after receiving a new panel to get ready for accepting the next panel in the second cycle of process. The die bonding machine will repeat these steps until all of the PCB panels in the input magazine are processed. This process step may repeat again for the same panel for stack die products that may require to stacks more than one layer of memory die.FIG. 10 is a top perspective views showing PCB panel 300 (t2) after the die bonding process is completed. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view depicting a wire bonding process utilized to connect the IC dies 130 and 135 to corresponding contact pads 119-5 and 119-6, respectively, according to block 248 ofFIG. 3 . The wire bonding process proceeds as follows. Once a full magazine of PCB panels 300 (t2) (seeFIG. 10 ) has completed the die bonding operation, an operator transports the PCB panels 300 (t2) to a nearby wire bonder (WB) machine, and loads the PCB panels 300 (t2) onto the magazine input rack of the WB machine. The WB machine is pre-prepared with the correct program to process this specific USB device. The coordinates of all the ICs' pads 119-5 and 119-6 and PCB gold fingers were previously determined and programmed on the WB machine. After the PCB panel with the attached dies is loaded at the WB bonding area, the operator commands the WB machine to use optical vision to recognize the location of the first wire bond pin of the first memory die of the first PCB on the panel. Once the first pin is set correctly, the WB machine can carry out the whole wire bonding process for the rest of the panels of the same product type automatically. For multiple flash layer stack dies, the PCB panels may be returned to the WB machine to repeat wire bonding process for the second stack.FIG. 12 is a top perspective views showing PCB panel 300 (t3) after the wire bonding process is completed. - FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B) are simplified cross-sectional side views depicting a molding process for forming a molded housing layer over PCB panel 300 (t3) according to block 250 of
FIG. 3 . As indicated inFIG. 13 (A), after the wire bonding process is completed, USB panel 300 (t3) is loaded into amold machine 450 including acover plate 452 that mounts ontolower surface 116 of PCB panel 300 (t3), and defines achamber 456 that is disposed over the IC chips, wire bonds and passive components that are mounted onlower surface 116. Note that no molding material is applied toupper surface 118. Transfer molding is prefer here due to the high accuracy of transfer molding tooling and low cycle time. The molding material in the form of pellet is preheated and loaded into a pot or chamber (not shown). As depicted inFIG. 13 (B), a plunger (not shown) is then used to force the material from the pot through channels known as a spruce and runner system into themold cavity 456, causing the molten (e.g., plastic) material to form amolding layer 458 that encapsulates all the IC chips and components, and to cover all the exposed areas oflower surface 116. The mold remains closed as the material is inserted and filled up all vacant incavity 456. During the process, the walls ofcover plate 452 are heated to a temperature above the melting point of the mold material, which facilitates a faster flow of material throughcavity 456.Mold machine 450 remains closed until a curing reaction within the molding material is complete. A cooling down cycle follows the injection process, and the molding materials ofmolding layer 458 start to solidify and harden. Ejector pins push PCB panel 300 (t4) (shown inFIG. 14 ) from the mold machine oncemolding layer 458 has hardened sufficiently. As depicted inFIG. 14 ,molding layer 458 forms a uniform block with a flat, smoothupper surface 459 on PCB panel 300 (t4). -
FIG. 15 is simplified cross-sectional side view depicting a singulation process according to block 260 ofFIG. 3 that is used to separate PCB panel 300 (t4) into individual USB devices. PCB panel 300 (t4) is loaded into a saw machine (not shown) that is pre-programmed with a singulation routine that includes predetermined cut locations. The saw blade is aligned to the first cut line (e.g., end cut line 311-1) as a starting point by the operator. The coordinates of the first position are stored in the memory of the saw machine. The saw machine then automatically proceeds to cut up (singulate) the USB pane 300 (t4), for example, successively along cut lines 311-1, 341-1, 341-2, and 311-2, and then along the side cut lines and PCB cut lines (seeFIG. 4 (A)) to form individual USB devices according to the pre-programmed singulation routine. FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B) are top and bottom perspective views showing a modularUSB core component 100 after the singulation process is completed. - FIGS. 17(A) and 17(B) are top and bottom perspective views showing a singulated modular
USB core component 100 after a marking process is performed in accordance withblock 270 of the method ofFIG. 3 . The singulated and completedUSB devices 100 undergo a marking process in which a designated company's logo, USB logo, RoHs logo, speed value, density value, or other related information are printed onsurface 152 ofhousing 150 and/orupper surface 116 ofPCB 111. After marking,USB devices 100 are placed in the baking oven to cure the permanent ink. - Referring to block 280 located at the bottom of
FIG. 3 , a final procedure in the manufacturing method of the present invention involves testing, packing and shipping the individual USB devices. Themarked USB devices 100 shown in FIGS. 17(A) and 17(B) are then subjected to visual inspection and electrical tests consistent with well established techniques. Visually or/and electrically test rejects are removed from the good population as defective rejects. The good memory cards are then packed into custom made boxes which are specified by customers. The final packed products will ship out to customers following correct procedures with necessary documents. - As suggested in the above example, in addition to reducing overall manufacturing costs by utilizing unpackaged controller and flash memory dies (i.e., by eliminating the packaging costs associated with SMT-ready controller and flash memory devices), the present invention provides a further benefit of facilitating greatly expanded memory capacity without increasing the overall size of modular
USB core component 100. For example,FIG. 18 is simplified cross-sectional side view showing a stacked-memory USB device 500 in which a first flash memory chip 535-1 is mounted on alower surface 518 and connected by first wire bonds 560-1 toPCB 511 in the manner described above. Because the IC die height (thickness) D is much smaller than packaged flash memory devices, and because the thickness T1 ofUSB device 500 is set, for example, at 2.0 mm to assure a snug fit ofplug structure 105 inside lower region 25A of female USB socket connector 22 (as discussed above with reference toFIG. 2 (B), the present invention facilitates a stacked memory arrangement in which a second flash memory die 535-2 is mounted on first flash memory die 535-1 and connected toPCB 511 by way of second wire bonds 560-2. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), second flash memory die 535-2 may be connected to contacts provided on first flash memory die 535-1 by associated wire bonds. This stacked memory arrangement greatly increases memory capacity of the USB devices without increasing the footprint (i.e., thickness T1, length and width) of modularUSB core component 500. -
FIG. 19 is simplified cross-sectional side view showing a modularUSB core component 600 including stacked-memory according to another embodiment of the present invention. ModularUSB core component 600 is distinguished over the previous embodiments in that, instead of separate USB controller and flash memory chips,USB device 600 utilizes a single-chip controller/flash die 630 that is connected to a PCB 611 by way ofwire bonds 660 in the manner described above, and is characterized in that, as shown inFIG. 20 , single-chip controller/flash die 630 includes both acontroller circuit 631 and one or more flash block mass storage circuits 635-1 to 635-3 that are interconnected by abus 638.Controller circuit 631 includes an input/output (I/O)interface circuit 632 that facilitates sending and receiving commands and data to/from a host (not shown) into whichUSB device 600 is plugged.Controller circuit 631 also includes a flash-memory controller 634 that facilitates sending and receiving sends data over one or moreinternal flash buses 638 to/from flash mass storage blocks 635-1, 635-2, 635-3. Becauseinternal flash bus 638 is internal to single-chip controller/flash die 630, external pins are not required for the interface to flash memory blocks 635-1, 635-2, 635-3. In one embodiment, flash mass storage blocks 635-1, 635-2, 635-3 are not randomly accessible. Instead, a command and an address are transferred as data overinternal flash bus 638 to indicate a block of data to transfer from flash mass storage blocks 635-1, 635-2, 635-3. Thus, flash mass storage blocks 635-1, 635-2, 635-3 are block-addressable mass storage, rather than random-access memory (RAM). In another embodiment, flash mass storage blocks 635-1, 635-2, 635-3 are aggregated together by the flash microcontroller ofcontroller circuit 631 631, which maps and directs data transactions to selected flash storage blocks 635-1, 635-2, 635-3. Because theflash microcontroller 631 performs memory management, flash storage blocks 635-1, 635-2, 635-3 appear as a single, contiguous memory to external hosts. Additional details regarding the use of single-chip controller/flash die 630 is provided in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,103,684, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. - In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the modular USB core components described in the embodiments above are incorporated into package casings (cases) in order to form completed USB assemblies (i.e., USB devices suitable for sale to an end user). Several examples of such USB assemblies are described in the following paragraphs that are generally characterized as including two versions of low-profile package casings (one with front ribs and the other without front ribs). In addition, different package assembly process methods are described in which the modular USB core component is mounted or otherwise disposed inside a case to produce a final memory card product. For brevity, a generalized modular
USB core component 100 is used in the following examples and represents any of the embodiments described above. -
FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view showing anUSB assembly 700 including acase 710 for receiving modularUSB core component 100 inside, acover plate 720, and an adhesive 730. In the present embodiment,case 710 is a one-piece pre-molded plastic casing formed using known techniques to include abottom wall 711, a relatively widerear section 712 formed byrear side walls 713, and a relatively narrowfront section 714 formed byfront side walls 715. The terms “one-piece” and “pre-molded” are used herein to indicate thatcase 710 is an integral molded structure formed during a single (e.g., injection) plastic molding process that is performed prior to assembly with modularUSB core component 100. An intermediate wall 713-1 ofcase 710 is disposed betweenrear section 712 andfront section 714, and defines a slot 713-1A.Rear section 712 defines anupper opening 712A that exposes an elongated cavity extending betweenrear section 712 andfront section 714 by way of slot 713-1A.Rear side walls 713 are slightly taller and wider thanfront side walls 715 to facilitate mountingcover plate 720, and define notches (sills) 713A on an inside surfaces thereof for snap-coupling cover plate 720 in the manner described below.Front section 714 includes a series ofparallel ribs 716 that extend over the cavity and are separated byelongated openings 717. A circular donut structure 719 (shown more completely inFIG. 22 (B)) is integrally molded or otherwise attached at the backend of therear section 712, and allows a small chain or string to loop through a hole defined therethrough to form a key chain holder, or may be used for hanging ornaments with decorative string. Roundshallow shoulders 713C are provided at the interface ofrear section 712 and narrowerfront section 714. - During assembly, a double sided thermal
adhesive tape 730 is placed inside the cavity defined bycase 710, and thenUSB core component 100 is inserted throughupper opening 712A such thatadhesive tape 730 is disposed betweenlower wall 711 and the lower surface of modularUSB core component 100. ModularUSB core component 100 is inserted intocase 710 withmetal contacts 120 facing upward (away from lower wall 711) and disposed towardfront section 714. ModularUSB core component 100 is held at an angle relative tocase 710 during insertion to facilitate insertion of its front edge (i.e., the edge adjacent to metal contacts 120) throughupper opening 712A and throughslot 713A formed betweenrear section 712 andfront section 714.USB component 100 is then pushed forward until its front edge abuts a front wall 715-1 andmetal contacts 120 are exposed throughopenings 717 formed between ribs 716 (as shown inFIG. 22 (A)), at which point a rear end of modularUSB core component 100 is inserted and snugly fit into the cavity belowupper opening 712A. Next,cover plate 720 is mounted overupper opening 712A to seal the cavity defined bycase 710. In the present embodiment,cover plate 720 has protrudingnotches 723 disposed on peripheral side edges 721 that are snap coupled intorecesses 713A defined along the inner surface ofrear side walls 713. Aftercover plate 720 has been snapped ontocase 710 to seal modularUSB core component 100 inside the cavity, a thermal cure procedure is performed to enhance the bond strength of double sided thermaladhesive tape 730, thereby completing the assembly process. CompletedUSB assembly 700 is shown in top front perspective view inFIG. 22 (A) and in bottom rear perspective view inFIG. 22 (B). -
FIG. 23 (A) is an exploded perspective view showing anUSB assembly 800 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, which includes a one-piece pre-molded plastic casing (case) 810 that is formed to receive modularUSB core component 100 inside, acover plate 820, and an adhesive 830. Like case 710 (discussed above),case 810 includes abottom wall 811, a relatively widerear section 812 formed byrear side walls 813, and a relatively narrowfront section 814 formed byfront side walls 815. An intermediate wall 813-1 is disposed betweenrear section 812 andfront section 814, and defines a slot 813-1A.Rear section 812 defines anupper opening 812A that exposes an elongated cavity extending betweenrear section 812 andfront section 814 by way of slot 813-1A.Rear side walls 813 definenotches 813A on an inside surface thereof for snap-coupling cover plate 820 in the manner described below. Unlikecase 710,front section 814 ofcase 810 includes alarge opening 817 whose purpose is to expose the entirety of afront section 100F of modular USB core component 100 (i.e., the section to the right of the dashed line inFIG. 23 (A) including metal contacts 120). Acircular donut structure 819 is integrally molded or otherwise attached at the backend of therear section 812. - During assembly, a double sided thermal
adhesive tape 830 is placed inside the cavity defined bycase 810, and thenUSB core component 100 is inserted throughupper opening 812A such thatadhesive tape 830 is disposed betweenlower wall 811 and the lower surface of modularUSB core component 100. ModularUSB core component 100 is inserted intoplastic mold casing 810 withmetal contacts 120 facing upward (away from lower wall 811) such thatfront section 100F is disposed towardfront section 814. ModularUSB core component 100 is held at an angle relative tocasing 810 during insertion to facilitate insertion of its front edge (i.e., the edge adjacent to metal contacts 120) throughupper opening 812A and throughslot 813A formed betweenrear section 812 andfront section 814.USB component 100 is then pushed forward until its front edge abuts front wall 815-1 andfront section 100F (including metal contacts 120) is exposed through opening 817 (as shown inFIG. 23 (B)), at which point a rear end of modularUSB core component 100 is inserted and snugly fit into the cavity belowupper opening 812A. Next,cover plate 820 is mounted overupper opening 812A bysnap coupling notches 823 disposed on peripheral side edges 821 intorecesses 813A defined along the inner surface ofrear side walls 813. Aftercover plate 820 has been snapped ontocasing 810 to seal modularUSB core component 100 inside the cavity, a thermal cure procedure is performed to enhance the bond strength of double sided thermaladhesive tape 830, thereby completing the assembly process. The completedUSB assembly 800 is shown in front perspective view inFIG. 23 (B) and in rear perspective view inFIG. 23 (C). -
FIG. 24 (A) is an exploded perspective view showing anUSB assembly 900 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, which includes a one-piece pre-molded plastic casing (case) 910 that is formed to receive modularUSB core component 100 inside, acover plate 920, and an adhesive 930. Like case 710 (discussed above),case 910 includes abottom wall 911, a relatively widerear section 912 formed byrear side walls 913, and a relatively narrowfront section 914 formed byfront side walls 915. An intermediate wall 913-1 is disposed betweenrear section 912 andfront section 914, and defines a slot 913-1A.Rear section 912 defines anupper opening 912A that exposes an elongated cavity extending betweenrear section 912 andfront section 914 by way of slot 913-1A.Rear side walls 913 defineperimeter edges 913A formed on an inside surface thereof for snap-coupling cover plate 920 in the manner described below. Acircular donut structure 919 is integrally molded or otherwise attached at the backend of therear section 912. - During assembly, a double sided thermal
adhesive tape 930 is placed inside the cavity defined bycase 910, and thenUSB core component 100 is inserted throughupper opening 912A such thatadhesive tape 930 is disposed betweenlower wall 911 and the lower surface of modularUSB core component 100. ModularUSB core component 100 is inserted intoplastic mold casing 910 withmetal contacts 120 facing upward (away from lower wall 911) such thatfront section 100F is disposed towardfront section 914 andmetal contacts 120 are exposed throughopenings 917 and separated by ribs 916 (as shown inFIG. 24 (B)). Next,cover plate 920 is mounted overupper opening 912A such that itsouter edge 921 aligns withperimeter edges 913A defined along the inner surface ofrear side walls 913. In accordance with the present embodiment,outer edge 921 is provided with a rough finish (not shown) to facilitate ultrasonic welding toperimeter edges 913A. The assembly is then placed under an ultrasonic machine that applies ultra high frequency and compressive pressure ontocover plate 920, thereby causingouter edge 921 to melt and fuse withperimeter edges 913A, thereby securingcover plate 920 tocase 910. Aftercover plate 920 has been secured such that modularUSB core component 100 is sealed inside the cavity, a thermal cure procedure is performed to enhance the bond strength of double sided thermaladhesive tape 930, thereby completing the assembly process. The completedUSB assembly 900 is shown in front perspective view inFIG. 24 (B) and in rear perspective view inFIG. 24 (C). -
FIG. 25 (A) is an exploded perspective view showing anUSB assembly 1000 according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, which includes a one-piece pre-molded plastic casing (case) 1010 that is formed to receive modularUSB core component 100 inside, acover plate 1020, a loweradhesive layer 1030 and anupper adhesive layer 1035. Like case 710 (discussed above),case 1010 includes abottom wall 1011, a relatively widerear section 1012 formed byrear side walls 1013, and a relatively narrowfront section 1014 formed byfront side walls 1015. An intermediate wall 1013-1 is disposed betweenrear section 1012 andfront section 1014, and defines a slot 1013-1A.Rear section 1012 defines anupper opening 1012A that exposes an elongated cavity extending betweenrear section 1012 andfront section 1014 by way of slot 1013-1A.Rear side walls 1013 define a groove/platform 1013A on an inside surface thereof for securing side edges 1021 ofcover plate 1020 in the manner described below.Front section 1014 ofcase 1010 includesribs 1016 that defineelongated openings 1017 therebetween whose purpose is to exposemetal contacts 120 of modularUSB core component 100. - During assembly, a double sided thermal adhesive tape (adhesive layer) 1030 is placed inside the cavity defined by
case 1010, and thenUSB core component 100 is inserted throughupper opening 1012A in the manner described above such thatUSB component 100 is pushed forward until its front edge abuts front wall 1015-1 andfront section 100F, andmetal contacts 120 are exposed through openings 1017 (as shown inFIG. 25 (B)). Next,cover plate 1020 is mounted overupper opening 1012A and ontoplatform 1013A with upper adhesive layer 1035 (also a double sided thermal adhesive tape) disposed between a lower surface ofcover plate 1020 and an upper surface ofUSB core component 100. Aftercover plate 1020 is thus partially secured tocase 1010 andUSB core component 100, a thermal cure procedure is performed to enhance the bond strength of double sided thermaladhesive tapes case 1010 byadhesive layer 1035 and completing the assembly process. The completedUSB assembly 1000 is shown in front perspective view inFIG. 25 (B) and in rear perspective view inFIG. 25 (C). - Referring again to
FIG. 25 (A), in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present invention, instead of securingcover plate 1020 by way ofupper adhesive layer 1035, an a ultraviolet light (UV) cured epoxy material is inserted into groove/platform 1013A, andcover plate 1020 is formed from a transparent or translucent material. During assembly, aftercover plate 1020 is mounted overopening 1012A, the assembly is passed through a UV cure oven with the recommended light energy and duration specified by the UV-cure epoxy vendor to complete the assembly process. -
FIG. 26 (A) is an exploded perspective view showing anUSB assembly 1100 according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, which includes a two-piece pre-molded plastic casing (case) comprising anupper case portion 1110A and alower case portion 1110B that are formed to receive modularUSB core component 100 inside, and anadhesive layer 1130. -
Upper case portion 1110A is a substantially box-shaped structure including a relatively widerear section 1112A formed by opposingrear side walls 1113A-1 and 1113-A2 and arear wall 1113A-3 extending downward from anupper wall 1111A, and a relatively narrowfront section 1114A formed by opposingfront side walls 1115A-1 and 115A-2.Rear section 1112A andfront section 1114A collectively define an elongated cavity extending between afront opening 1115A-3 andrear wall 1113A-3.Front section 1114A includes an upper wall (ribs) 1116 that are disposed between upper edges of front side walls 115A-1 and 1115A-2 and defineelongated openings 1117 therebetween whose purpose is to exposemetal contacts 120 of modularUSB core component 100.Shallow shoulders 1113A-4 are formed at the interface betweenrear section 1112A andfront section 1114A. A small through-hole 1119A is defined inupper wall 1111A. -
Lower case portion 1110B includes alower wall 1111B, arear section 1112B formed by shortrear side walls 1113B-1 and 1113B-2 and arear wall 1113B-3, and afront section 1114B including afront wall 1115B-3.Rear section 1112B includes opposingside walls 1113B-1 and 1113B-2, each including an outwardly facing locking ridge 1118-1 (one shown), and arear wall 1113B-3 including an inwardly facing locking ridge 1118-3.Front section 1114B includes afront wall 1115B-3 having an inwardly facing locking ridge 1118-2. A small through-hole 1119B is defined inlower wall 1111B, and is aligned with through-hole 1119A whenupper case portion 1110A is mounted onlower case portion 1110B. - During assembly, a double sided thermal adhesive epoxy sheet (adhesive layer) 1130 is placed on the inside surface of
lower wall 1111B nearfront wall 1115B-3, and thenUSB core component 100 is mounted onlower case portion 1110B such that its front edge is engaged by ridge 1118-2 (the rear edge is disposed on lower wall such that a clear path exists between through-holes Upper case portion 1110A is then snap coupled ontolower case portion 1110B such that locking ridge 1118-1 (and the locking ridge, not shown, extending fromside wall 1113B-2) are snap-coupled into grooves (not shown) defined inside walls 1113A-1 and 1113A-2 ofupper case portion 1110A. An optional thermal cure procedure is performed to enhance the bond strength of double sided thermaladhesive tape 1130, thereby further securinglower case portion 1110B to modularUSB core component 100. The completedUSB assembly 1100 is shown in front perspective view inFIG. 26 (B), whereinmetal contacts 120 are exposed adjacent tofront wall 1115B-3 throughopenings 1117 defined betweenribs 1116. -
FIG. 27 (A) is an exploded perspective view showing anUSB assembly 1200 according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, which includes a two-piece pre-molded plastic casing (case) comprising anupper case portion 1210A and alower case portion 1210B that are formed to receive modularUSB core component 100 inside, and anadhesive layer 1230. -
Upper case portion 1210A andlower case 1210B are similar tocase portions Upper case portion 1210A is a substantially box-shaped structure including a relatively widerear section 1212A formed by opposingrear side walls 1213A-1 and 1213-A2 and arear wall 1213A-3 extending downward from anupper wall 1211A, and a relatively narrowfront section 1214A formed by opposingfront side walls 1215A-1 and 125A-2.Rear section 1212A andfront section 1214A collectively define an elongated cavity extending between afront opening 1215A-3 andrear wall 1213A-3.Front section 1214A includes an upper wall (ribs) 1216 that are disposed between upper edges of front side walls 125A-1 and 1215A-2 and defineelongated openings 1217 therebetween whose purpose is to exposemetal contacts 120 of modularUSB core component 100.Shallow shoulders 1213A-4 are formed at the interface betweenrear section 1212A andfront section 1214A.Lower case portion 1210B includes alower wall 1211B, arear section 1212B formed by shortrear side walls 1213B-1 and 1213B-2 and arear wall 1213B-3, and afront section 1214B including afront wall 1215B-3.Rear section 1212B includes opposingside walls 1213B-1 and 1213B-2, each including an outwardly facing locking ridge 1218-1 (one shown), and arear wall 1213B-3 including an inwardly facing locking ridge 1218-3.Front section 1214B includes afront wall 1215B-3 having an inwardly facing locking ridge 1218-2. -
Upper case portion 1210A andlower case 1210B differ fromcase portions circular donut structure 1219 extends fromback wall 1213B-3 oflower case portion 1210B to mount a key chain etc., instead of the through-holes used in the embodiment of FIGS. 26(A) and 26(B). This arrangement allowsupper case portion 1210A andlower case portion 1210B to be formed such that the internal chamber is somewhat shorter that that of the embodiment of FIGS. 26(A) and 26(B), wherebyUSB core component 100 extends the entire length betweenfront wall 1215B-3 andrear wall 1213B-3 when mounted onlower case portion 1210B.Assembly 1200 is otherwise assembled in a manner similar to that described above with reference to the embodiment of 26(A) and 26(B). -
FIG. 28 (A) is an exploded perspective view showing anUSB assembly 1300 according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, which includes a pre-molded plastic bottom piece carrier (case) 1310, anadhesive layer 1330, arear cap 1340 and anoptional front cap 1350 that collectively receive and secure modularUSB core component 100.Bottom piece carrier 1310 has abottom wall 1311, opposingside walls end walls trough 1312.Rear cap 1340 includes alower wall 1341, an opposingupper wall 1342, opposingside walls rear wall 1345 that form a box-like structure having an open end 1346 (which is facing away fromrear cap 1340 inFIG. 28 (A)).Front cap 1350 includes alower wall 1351, an opposingupper wall 1352, opposingside walls rear wall 1346 that form a box-like structure having anopen end 1355. During assembly, double-sidedadhesive tape layer 1330 is first placed insidetrough 1312 and secured tobottom wall 1311, then modularUSB core component 100 is mounted onto the upper surface oftape layer 1330.Rear cap 1340 is then slid over the partial assembly such thatlower wall 1341 is disposed under a portion oflower wall 1311, andupper wall 1342 covers a rear portion of the upper surface of modular USB core component 100 (i.e., such that a front portion includingmetal contacts 120 is exposed).Front cap 1350 is then optionally removably slid over the front portion of modularUSB core component 100 to protectmetal contacts 120 during transportation, as indicated inFIG. 28 (B). Necessary markings are placed on the both the body (i.e.,bottom piece carrier 1310 and/or USB core component 100) and/or one or bothcaps -
FIG. 29 (A) is an exploded perspective view showing anUSB assembly 1400 according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, which includes a bottom piece carrier (case) 1410, a loweradhesive layer 1430, anupper adhesive layer 1435 and acover plate 1440 that collectively receive and secure modularUSB core component 100.Bottom piece carrier 1410 andcover plate 1440 are made of die casted Zinc (Zn), Aluminum (Al) or other metals, and is finished with chromium (Cr) plating to provide a bright and shinning appearance.Bottom piece carrier 1410 has abottom wall 1411, opposingside walls 1413 and 1414, and opposingend walls trough 1412. Aflange 1418 is disposed adjacent to endwall 1416 that defines a throughhole 1419, which is aligned with acorresponding opening 1439 inupper adhesive layer 1435 and anopening 1449 incover plate 1440 to allow a small chain or string to loop through to form a key chain holder, or is merely used for hanging ornaments with decorative string. During assembly, double-sided loweradhesive tape layer 1430 is first placed insidetrough 1412 and secured tobottom wall 1411, then modularUSB core component 100 is mounted onto the upper surface oftape layer 1430 such that the opposite ends of modularUSB core component 100 barely touchend walls adhesive layer 1435 is then mounted on a rear portion of the upper surface of modularUSB core component 100. As indicated inFIG. 29 (B), through-hole 1449 ofmetal plate 1440 is aligned with through-hole 1439 ofadhesive tape 1435, which in turn are aligned with through-hole 1419 ofbottom piece carrier 1410 to allow the key chain to thread through with precision and quality. The final USB memory product is shown inFIG. 29 (B). -
FIG. 30 (A) is an exploded perspective view showing anUSB assembly 1500 according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, which includes a bottom piece carrier (case) 1510, a loweradhesive layer 1530, anupper adhesive layer 1535 and acover plate 1540 that collectively receive and secure modularUSB core component 100.Bottom piece carrier 1510 andcover plate 1540 are made of die casted Zinc (Zn), Aluminum (Al) or other metals, and is finished with chromium (Cr) plating to provide a bright and shinning appearance.Bottom piece carrier 1510 has abottom wall 1511, opposingside walls end walls trough 1512. Adonut hole structure 1519 extends fromend wall 1516 and defines a through hole to allow a small chain or string to loop through to form a key chain holder. During assembly, double-sided loweradhesive tape layer 1530 is first placed insidetrough 1512 and secured tobottom wall 1511, then modularUSB core component 100 is mounted onto the upper surface oftape layer 1530 such that the opposite ends of modularUSB core component 100 barely touchend walls adhesive layer 1535 is then mounted on a rear portion of the upper surface of modularUSB core component 100. The final USB memory product is shown inFIG. 30 (B). -
FIG. 31 (A) is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of an USB assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention that utilizes a second step over-molding process to complete the manufacturing process. As indicated inFIG. 31 (A), modularUSB core component 100 is mounted onto apre-molded plastic cover 1610 such that an upper surface 101 (i.e., the surface including metal contacts 120) faces downward against anupper wall 1611 ofcover 1610.Cover 1610 also includes opposingside walls end walls upper wall 1611 to collectively define atrough 1612.Upper wall 1611 defines parallelelongated openings 1611A that are separated by ribs in the manner described above, and positioned such that eachmetal contact 120 is exposed through acorresponding opening 1611A when modularUSB core component 100 is mounted intrough 1612. A small through-hole 1619 is formed at a 45 degree angle relative toside wall 1613 and end wall 1616 (i.e., in the direction of the small dashed line L1) to allow a small chain or string to loop through to form a key chain holder, or merely uses for hanging ornaments with decorative string. -
FIG. 32 (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 32-32 ofFIG. 31 (A), and shows the partially formed assembly including modularUSB core component 100 andcover 1610 in simplified form. As shown in both FIGS. 31(B) and 32(A), a lower surface 103 (i.e., the surface of modularUSB core component 100 opposite to the metal contacts) faces upward (away) fromcover 1610. Note thatcover 1610 is sized such that small gaps G1 (shown inFIG. 32 (A)) are provided between theperipheral edges 104 of modularUSB core component 100 andwalls cover 1610. Note also that, as shown inFIG. 32 (A),lower surface 102 of modularUSB core component 100 is disposed below a plane P defined by the lower edges of the peripheral walls (e.g.,lower edges side walls 1613 and 1614), thereby forming a small gap G2 between plane P andlower surface 103. -
FIG. 32 (B) is a simplified cross-sectional view depicting the partially formed assembly including modularUSB core component 100 andcover 1610 disposed inside an over-molding (e.g., plastic injection molding)apparatus 1680.Apparatus 1680 includes abase portion 1682 and adie 1684 that collectively form a cavity C for receiving the partial assembly. During the over-molding process, molten plastic P is injected into cavity C through a nozzle (inlet port) 1685 such that the molten plastic flows overlower surface 103 andperipheral surfaces 104 of modularUSB core component 100 and into gaps G1 and G2. - FIGS. 32(C), 33(A) and 33(B) are cross-sectional and perspective views showing the completed
USB assembly 1600 after the over-molding process is completed. The over-molding process depicted inFIG. 32 (B) forms anover-molded structure 1640 on the modularUSB core component 100 such thatperipheral portions 1642 ofover-molded structure 1640 are disposed onperipheral edges 104 of the modular USB core component 100 (i.e., disposed betweenperipheral edges 104 of modularUSB core component 100 andperipheral side walls lower wall portion 1644 ofover-molded structure 1640 is disposed onlower surface 103 of modularUSB core component 100, whereinmetal contacts 120 of modularUSB core component 120 face away fromover-molded structure 1640 and are exposed throughopenings 1611A formed inlower wall 1611 ofpre-molded plastic cover 1610. - FIGS. 34(A) and 34(B) are simplified cross-sectional views showing the production of a
USB assembly 1700 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The assembly process used in this embodiment is similar to the over-molding process embodiment described directly above, but does not employ the pre-molded plastic housing. In particular, as shown inFIG. 34 (A), modularUSB core component 100 is mounted inside an over-molding (e.g., plastic injection molding)apparatus 1780 such thatmetal contacts 120abut base 1782.Apparatus 1780 includes abase portion 1782 and adie 1784 that collectively form a cavity formed such that gaps G3 and G4 are respectively formed between theperipheral surfaces 104 andlower surface 103 ofUSB core component 100 and facing walls ofdie 1784. During the over-molding process, molten plastic P is injected into the cavity through a nozzle (inlet port) 1785 such that the molten plastic flows overlower surface 103 andperipheral surfaces 104 of modularUSB core component 100 to fill gaps G3 and G3. After the over-molding process is completed, the completed assembly 1700 (seeFIG. 34 (B)) includes anover-molded structure 1740 formed on the modularUSB core component 100 such thatperipheral portions 1742 ofover-molded structure 1640 are disposed onperipheral edges 104 of the modularUSB core component 100, and alower wall portion 1744 ofover-molded structure 1740 is disposed onlower surface 103 of modularUSB core component 100, whereinmetal contacts 120 of modularUSB core component 120 face away fromover-molded structure 1740. An optional through-hole (not shown) is also molded to connect two facet of over mold side walls at 45 degree angle in a manner similar to that described above, and this hole allows a small chain or string to loop through to form a key chain holder, or merely uses for hanging ornaments with decorative string. -
FIG. 35 illustrates anassembly 1800 according to another embodiment of the present invention in which any of the above-described USB assemblies (e.g., USB assembly 700) further includes a carryingcase 1810. Carryingcase 1810 includes a rectangular block shape body having a thickness slightly thicker thanUSB assembly 700. Anupper wall 1811 of carryingcase 1810 defines a large through-hole 1812 that is larger thanassembly 700 to facilitate insertion thereof, and includes acover portion 1811 and afront wall 1813 that form a cavity (not shown) for receiving front end portion 1712 ofUSB assembly 700. A lower sill (flange) 1814 is disposed around a lower end of through-hole 1812, and serves as a resting place (stopper) forUSB assembly 700 after insertion. Carryingcase 1810 includes two oval shaped through-holes 1815 designed to receive a chain or string to form a key chain holder, or merely uses for hanging ornaments with decorative string. A thinelevated plate 1817 is formed on a back edge ofopening 1812 and has a plurality of ribs to improve the frictional property and the sense of touch for finger grip.USB assembly 700 is inserted in the direction indicated by the dashed-line arrow inFIG. 35 withmetal contacts 120 tilted at an angle sloping relative to carryingcase 1810, andfront end portion 712 is then inserted intoopening 712. Oncefront end 712 ofmemory card 700 has entered into carryingcase 1810, the wider rear portion 1714 ofUSB assembly 700 is pressed down (i.e., rotated toward carrying case 1810) until the bottom surface ofUSB assembly 700 is firmly resting onsill 1814. To subsequently withdrawmemory card 700 from carryingcase 1810, the bottom side ofmemory card 700 is pushed via the bottom side of through-hole 1812 using a finger. Once therear portion 714 ofmemory card 700 has been pushed (rotated) out from carryingcase 1810, therear portion 714 is grasped and pulled from carryingcase 1810. - Although the present invention has been described with respect to certain specific embodiments, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the inventive features of the present invention are applicable to other embodiments as well, all of which are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/859,685 US7447037B2 (en) | 1999-08-04 | 2007-09-21 | Single chip USB packages by various assembly methods |
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/366,976 US6547130B1 (en) | 1999-06-03 | 1999-08-04 | Integrated circuit card with fingerprint verification capability |
US09/478,720 US7257714B1 (en) | 1999-10-19 | 2000-01-06 | Electronic data storage medium with fingerprint verification capability |
US11/112,501 US7269004B1 (en) | 2005-04-21 | 2005-04-21 | Low-profile USB device |
US11/309,847 US7507119B2 (en) | 2000-01-06 | 2006-10-12 | USB device with integrated USB plug with USB-substrate supporter inside |
US11/624,667 US20070130436A1 (en) | 1999-10-19 | 2007-01-18 | Electronic Data Storage Medium With Fingerprint Verification Capability |
US11/773,830 US7872871B2 (en) | 2000-01-06 | 2007-07-05 | Molding methods to manufacture single-chip chip-on-board USB device |
US11/859,685 US7447037B2 (en) | 1999-08-04 | 2007-09-21 | Single chip USB packages by various assembly methods |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/624,667 Continuation-In-Part US20070130436A1 (en) | 1999-08-04 | 2007-01-18 | Electronic Data Storage Medium With Fingerprint Verification Capability |
US11/773,830 Continuation-In-Part US7872871B2 (en) | 1999-08-04 | 2007-07-05 | Molding methods to manufacture single-chip chip-on-board USB device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080020641A1 true US20080020641A1 (en) | 2008-01-24 |
US7447037B2 US7447037B2 (en) | 2008-11-04 |
Family
ID=38972003
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/859,685 Expired - Fee Related US7447037B2 (en) | 1999-08-04 | 2007-09-21 | Single chip USB packages by various assembly methods |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7447037B2 (en) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080311792A1 (en) * | 2007-06-15 | 2008-12-18 | Transcend Information, Inc. | Usb connector device, connector module and method for fabricating usb connector device |
US20090098773A1 (en) * | 2007-04-16 | 2009-04-16 | Walton Advanced Engineering, Inc | Space minimized flash drive |
US20120042108A1 (en) * | 2010-08-13 | 2012-02-16 | Sunman Engineering, Inc. | USB Computer |
US9064836B1 (en) * | 2010-08-09 | 2015-06-23 | Sandisk Semiconductor (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. | Extrinsic gettering on semiconductor devices |
US20170011248A1 (en) * | 2015-07-09 | 2017-01-12 | Gingy Technology Inc. | Fingerprint identification module |
US9648889B2 (en) * | 2015-09-11 | 2017-05-16 | John Pallas | Liquid-egg replacement composition |
US10049257B2 (en) | 2015-07-09 | 2018-08-14 | Gingy Technology Inc. | Fingerprint identification module |
US10640879B2 (en) | 2016-11-18 | 2020-05-05 | Hutchinson Technology Incorporated | High aspect ratio electroplated structures and anisotropic electroplating processes |
WO2020112569A1 (en) * | 2018-11-30 | 2020-06-04 | Hutchinson Technology Incorporated | High density coil design and process |
US11387033B2 (en) | 2016-11-18 | 2022-07-12 | Hutchinson Technology Incorporated | High-aspect ratio electroplated structures and anisotropic electroplating processes |
US11521785B2 (en) | 2016-11-18 | 2022-12-06 | Hutchinson Technology Incorporated | High density coil design and process |
US20230092600A1 (en) * | 2018-10-15 | 2023-03-23 | Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. | Card Connector, Card Holder, and Terminal Device |
Families Citing this family (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR100828956B1 (en) * | 2006-06-27 | 2008-05-13 | 하나 마이크론(주) | Universal Serial Bus memory package and manufacturing method the same |
US7554814B2 (en) * | 2007-02-13 | 2009-06-30 | Transcend Information, Inc. | Portable storage device having a sandwich package structure |
US20090097215A1 (en) * | 2007-10-11 | 2009-04-16 | Hiew Siew S | Uv-epoxy and ultrasonic case assembly methods for usb flash drive |
TWM346890U (en) * | 2008-08-19 | 2008-12-11 | Bor Ger Co Ltd | Mini portable memory device |
JP2010267260A (en) * | 2009-04-20 | 2010-11-25 | Moser Baer India Ltd | Compact memory device |
TWI405374B (en) * | 2010-07-29 | 2013-08-11 | Walton Advanced Eng Inc | A folding structure |
US8566934B2 (en) | 2011-01-21 | 2013-10-22 | Gigavation, Inc. | Apparatus and method for enhancing security of data on a host computing device and a peripheral device |
TWI424642B (en) * | 2011-04-06 | 2014-01-21 | Walton Advanced Eng Inc | Tandem data storage device |
WO2013023105A1 (en) | 2011-08-10 | 2013-02-14 | Srivastava Gita | Apparatus and method for enhancing security of data on a host computing device and a peripheral device |
USD666201S1 (en) * | 2011-11-23 | 2012-08-28 | Digital Hard Copy | Digital storage medium |
TWI464976B (en) * | 2012-02-29 | 2014-12-11 | Walton Advanced Eng Inc | A USB folding connector |
WO2014040224A1 (en) * | 2012-09-11 | 2014-03-20 | Apple Inc. | Rack plating |
US20160192499A1 (en) * | 2014-12-26 | 2016-06-30 | Htc Corporation | Electronic device and manufacturing method thereof |
Citations (75)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5404485A (en) * | 1993-03-08 | 1995-04-04 | M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd. | Flash file system |
US5414597A (en) * | 1994-05-04 | 1995-05-09 | Ford Motor Company | Shielded circuit module |
US5430859A (en) * | 1991-07-26 | 1995-07-04 | Sundisk Corporation | Solid state memory system including plural memory chips and a serialized bus |
US5479638A (en) * | 1993-03-26 | 1995-12-26 | Cirrus Logic, Inc. | Flash memory mass storage architecture incorporation wear leveling technique |
US5530622A (en) * | 1994-12-23 | 1996-06-25 | National Semiconductor Corporation | Electronic assembly for connecting to an electronic system and method of manufacture thereof |
US5623552A (en) * | 1994-01-21 | 1997-04-22 | Cardguard International, Inc. | Self-authenticating identification card with fingerprint identification |
US5821614A (en) * | 1994-05-06 | 1998-10-13 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Card type semiconductor device |
US5835760A (en) * | 1995-10-13 | 1998-11-10 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Method and arrangement for providing BIOS to a host computer |
US5899773A (en) * | 1996-10-07 | 1999-05-04 | Pendec Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Connecting device with integrally formed male and female connectors |
US5959541A (en) * | 1997-09-23 | 1999-09-28 | Accu-Time Systems, Inc. | Biometric time and attendance system with epidermal topographical updating capability |
US6000006A (en) * | 1997-08-25 | 1999-12-07 | Bit Microsystems, Inc. | Unified re-map and cache-index table with dual write-counters for wear-leveling of non-volatile flash RAM mass storage |
US6012636A (en) * | 1997-04-22 | 2000-01-11 | Smith; Frank E. | Multiple card data system having first and second memory elements including magnetic strip and fingerprints scanning means |
US6044428A (en) * | 1998-03-17 | 2000-03-28 | Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation | Configurable universal serial bus node |
US6069970A (en) * | 1997-05-16 | 2000-05-30 | Authentec, Inc. | Fingerprint sensor and token reader and associated methods |
US6069920A (en) * | 1994-01-18 | 2000-05-30 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Method and arrangement for transmitting voice in a radio system |
US6125192A (en) * | 1997-04-21 | 2000-09-26 | Digital Persona, Inc. | Fingerprint recognition system |
US6148354A (en) * | 1999-04-05 | 2000-11-14 | M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd. | Architecture for a universal serial bus-based PC flash disk |
US6193152B1 (en) * | 1997-05-09 | 2001-02-27 | Receiptcity.Com, Inc. | Modular signature and data-capture system and point of transaction payment and reward system |
US6292863B1 (en) * | 1998-01-08 | 2001-09-18 | Tdk Corporation | PC card |
US6297448B1 (en) * | 1997-12-09 | 2001-10-02 | Tokai Kogyo Co., Ltd. | Inner and outer pressure equalization structure for an airtight case |
US6313400B1 (en) * | 1999-07-13 | 2001-11-06 | Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. | Data card easily assembled housing |
US20010038547A1 (en) * | 1996-08-13 | 2001-11-08 | Jigour Robin J. | Adapter apparatus for interfacing an insertable and removable digital memory device to a host port |
US20010043174A1 (en) * | 1996-10-31 | 2001-11-22 | Jeffrey Jacobsen | Display system for wireless pager |
US6321478B1 (en) * | 1998-12-04 | 2001-11-27 | Smith & Wesson Corp. | Firearm having an intelligent controller |
US20020036922A1 (en) * | 2000-07-28 | 2002-03-28 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Method and circuitry for bank tracking in write command sequence |
US6407940B1 (en) * | 2000-09-29 | 2002-06-18 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Memory card device including a clock generator |
US6438638B1 (en) * | 2000-07-06 | 2002-08-20 | Onspec Electronic, Inc. | Flashtoaster for reading several types of flash-memory cards with or without a PC |
US20020116668A1 (en) * | 2001-02-20 | 2002-08-22 | Matrix Semiconductor, Inc. | Memory card with enhanced testability and methods of making and using the same |
US6475830B1 (en) * | 2000-07-19 | 2002-11-05 | Cisco Technology, Inc. | Flip chip and packaged memory module |
US20020166023A1 (en) * | 1999-04-15 | 2002-11-07 | Dell Products, L.P. | High speed bus interface for non-volatile integrated circuit memory supporting continuous transfer |
US20030038043A1 (en) * | 1995-11-30 | 2003-02-27 | Victorinox Ag | Card-shaped storage case for articles of daily use and/or consumer articles |
US20030046510A1 (en) * | 2001-03-30 | 2003-03-06 | North Gregory Allen | System-on-a-chip with soft cache and systems and methods using the same |
US6554648B2 (en) * | 2000-06-08 | 2003-04-29 | Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. | Universal serial bus receptacle connector |
US6567273B1 (en) * | 2002-02-06 | 2003-05-20 | Carry Computer Eng. Co., Ltd. | Small silicon disk card with a USB plug |
US20030100203A1 (en) * | 2001-11-23 | 2003-05-29 | Power Quotient International Co., Ltd. | Low height USB interface connecting device and a memory storage apparatus thereof |
US20030163656A1 (en) * | 2002-02-26 | 2003-08-28 | Ganton Robert Bruce | Memory configuration for a wireless communications device |
US6615404B1 (en) * | 1999-05-13 | 2003-09-02 | Tadiran Telecom Business Systems Ltd. | Method and apparatus for downloading software into an embedded-system |
US6618243B1 (en) * | 2002-06-13 | 2003-09-09 | M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd. | Computer peripheral system for interconnection with pocketable personal articles |
US6624005B1 (en) * | 2000-09-06 | 2003-09-23 | Amkor Technology, Inc. | Semiconductor memory cards and method of making same |
US6671808B1 (en) * | 1999-01-15 | 2003-12-30 | Rainbow Technologies, Inc. | USB-compliant personal key |
US6676420B1 (en) * | 2002-04-19 | 2004-01-13 | Wen-Tsung Liu | Double interface compact flash memory card |
US6718407B2 (en) * | 1999-09-30 | 2004-04-06 | Intel Corporation | Multiplexer selecting one of input/output data from a low pin count interface and a program information to update a firmware device from a communication interface |
US20040087213A1 (en) * | 2002-08-16 | 2004-05-06 | Chi-Lei Kao | Plug used for connection with a usb receptacle |
US6733329B2 (en) * | 2002-08-21 | 2004-05-11 | Fu-I Yang | USB flash drive |
US6757783B2 (en) * | 2001-11-13 | 2004-06-29 | Daesung Ec&P Co., Ltd. | Portable storage medium based on universal serial bus standard and UFI standard |
US6763410B2 (en) * | 2002-10-28 | 2004-07-13 | Walton Advanced Engineering, Inc. | Portable universal serial bus memory device |
US20040137664A1 (en) * | 2003-01-09 | 2004-07-15 | Gidon Elazar | Advanced packaging shell for pocketable consumer electronic devices |
US20040143716A1 (en) * | 2002-12-17 | 2004-07-22 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Folding USB flash memory device for providing memory storage capacity |
US20040145875A1 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-07-29 | C-One Technology Corporation | Mini-type connector of circuit substrate |
US20040148482A1 (en) * | 2003-01-13 | 2004-07-29 | Grundy Kevin P. | Memory chain |
US20040153595A1 (en) * | 2003-01-31 | 2004-08-05 | Toshiba Corporation | USB memory storage apparatus |
US6773192B1 (en) * | 2003-11-19 | 2004-08-10 | Prosonic Technology Corp. | Light-emitting USB mobile disk-pen |
US6832281B2 (en) * | 2000-07-06 | 2004-12-14 | Onspec Electronic Inc. | Flashtoaster for reading several types of flash memory cards with or without a PC |
US20040255054A1 (en) * | 2003-06-10 | 2004-12-16 | Khein-Seng Pua | High-speed data transmission device |
US20050009388A1 (en) * | 2003-07-08 | 2005-01-13 | Technology Corp. | Usb mobile disk-pen |
US6854984B1 (en) * | 2003-09-11 | 2005-02-15 | Super Talent Electronics, Inc. | Slim USB connector with spring-engaging depressions, stabilizing dividers and wider end rails for flash-memory drive |
US20050085133A1 (en) * | 2003-09-11 | 2005-04-21 | Kuang-Yu Wang | Low-profile USB connector without metal case |
US20050114587A1 (en) * | 2003-11-22 | 2005-05-26 | Super Talent Electronics Inc. | ExpressCard with On-Card Flash Memory with Shared Flash-Control Bus but Separate Ready Lines |
US20050182858A1 (en) * | 2004-02-13 | 2005-08-18 | Incomm Technologies Co., Ltd. | Portable memory device with multiple I/O interfaces |
US20050193161A1 (en) * | 2004-02-26 | 2005-09-01 | Lee Charles C. | System and method for controlling flash memory |
US20050193162A1 (en) * | 2004-02-26 | 2005-09-01 | Horng-Yee Chou | USB card reader |
US6940153B2 (en) * | 2003-02-05 | 2005-09-06 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Magnetic shielding for magnetic random access memory card |
US6944028B1 (en) * | 2004-06-19 | 2005-09-13 | C-One Technology Corporation | Storage memory device |
US20050218200A1 (en) * | 2001-07-25 | 2005-10-06 | Heinz Focke | Folding-box for cigarettes |
US20050248926A1 (en) * | 2004-05-06 | 2005-11-10 | Moses Asom | SDIO memory and interface card |
US7021971B2 (en) * | 2003-09-11 | 2006-04-04 | Super Talent Electronics, Inc. | Dual-personality extended-USB plug and receptacle with PCI-Express or Serial-At-Attachment extensions |
US7074052B1 (en) * | 2005-05-11 | 2006-07-11 | Super Talent Electronics, Inc. | USB device with case having integrated plug shell |
US7090541B1 (en) * | 2005-05-27 | 2006-08-15 | Inventec Multimedia & Telecom Corporation | Slim USB electronic device |
US7104809B1 (en) * | 2005-10-18 | 2006-09-12 | Datafab Systems Inc. | Memory card shaped card reader |
US20060273442A1 (en) * | 2005-06-07 | 2006-12-07 | Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd. | Semiconductor device for accommodating large chips, fabrication method thereof, and carrier used in the semiconductor device |
US20060278720A1 (en) * | 2005-06-14 | 2006-12-14 | Sun-Light Electronic Technologies Inc. | Multimedia memory card |
US7296098B2 (en) * | 2001-12-29 | 2007-11-13 | Taiguen Technology (Shen-Zhen), Co., Ltd. | Portable data converting and processing storage device with standard interface wherein the body unity does not include any built-in flash memory |
US20080094807A1 (en) * | 1999-08-04 | 2008-04-24 | Super Talent Electronics, Inc. | Single Chip USB Packages With Swivel Cover |
US20080093720A1 (en) * | 1999-08-04 | 2008-04-24 | Super Talent Electronics, Inc. | Single Chip USB Packages With Contact-Pins Cover |
US7364090B2 (en) * | 2004-04-16 | 2008-04-29 | Sandisk Corporation | Memory cards having two standard sets of contacts |
Family Cites Families (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
SE425704B (en) | 1981-03-18 | 1982-10-25 | Loefberg Bo | DATABERARE |
US4926480A (en) | 1983-08-22 | 1990-05-15 | David Chaum | Card-computer moderated systems |
US4630201A (en) | 1984-02-14 | 1986-12-16 | International Security Note & Computer Corporation | On-line and off-line transaction security system using a code generated from a transaction parameter and a random number |
US5020105A (en) | 1986-06-16 | 1991-05-28 | Applied Information Technologies Corporation | Field initialized authentication system for protective security of electronic information networks |
US4766293A (en) | 1986-06-26 | 1988-08-23 | Visa International Service Association | Portable financial transaction card capable of authorizing a transaction in foreign currencies |
JPS63163589A (en) | 1986-12-25 | 1988-07-07 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Ic card with fingerprint input device |
JPH02118790A (en) | 1988-10-27 | 1990-05-07 | Nec Corp | Ic card with fingerprint collating function |
JPH0424889A (en) | 1990-05-21 | 1992-01-28 | Toshiba Corp | Ic card provided with personal identification function |
US5280527A (en) | 1992-04-14 | 1994-01-18 | Kamahira Safe Co., Inc. | Biometric token for authorizing access to a host system |
US5397857A (en) | 1993-07-15 | 1995-03-14 | Dual Systems | PCMCIA standard memory card frame |
JPH1139483A (en) | 1997-07-16 | 1999-02-12 | Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> | Fingerprint authentication card, memory card, authentication system, authentication device and portable equipment |
KR100439507B1 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2004-07-09 | 삼성전기주식회사 | Data operating method in flash memory card system of high-capacity |
JP4074110B2 (en) | 2002-03-20 | 2008-04-09 | Necエレクトロニクス株式会社 | Single-chip microcomputer |
NZ520786A (en) | 2002-08-14 | 2005-06-24 | Daniel James Oaeconnell | Method of booting a computer system using a memory image of the post boot content of the system RAM memory |
CN1190735C (en) | 2002-09-26 | 2005-02-23 | 深圳市朗科科技有限公司 | Data exchange and storing method and device |
JP3866178B2 (en) | 2002-10-08 | 2007-01-10 | 株式会社ルネサステクノロジ | IC card |
-
2007
- 2007-09-21 US US11/859,685 patent/US7447037B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (79)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5430859A (en) * | 1991-07-26 | 1995-07-04 | Sundisk Corporation | Solid state memory system including plural memory chips and a serialized bus |
US5404485A (en) * | 1993-03-08 | 1995-04-04 | M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd. | Flash file system |
US5479638A (en) * | 1993-03-26 | 1995-12-26 | Cirrus Logic, Inc. | Flash memory mass storage architecture incorporation wear leveling technique |
US6069920A (en) * | 1994-01-18 | 2000-05-30 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Method and arrangement for transmitting voice in a radio system |
US5623552A (en) * | 1994-01-21 | 1997-04-22 | Cardguard International, Inc. | Self-authenticating identification card with fingerprint identification |
US5414597A (en) * | 1994-05-04 | 1995-05-09 | Ford Motor Company | Shielded circuit module |
US5821614A (en) * | 1994-05-06 | 1998-10-13 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Card type semiconductor device |
US5530622A (en) * | 1994-12-23 | 1996-06-25 | National Semiconductor Corporation | Electronic assembly for connecting to an electronic system and method of manufacture thereof |
US5835760A (en) * | 1995-10-13 | 1998-11-10 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Method and arrangement for providing BIOS to a host computer |
US20030038043A1 (en) * | 1995-11-30 | 2003-02-27 | Victorinox Ag | Card-shaped storage case for articles of daily use and/or consumer articles |
US20010038547A1 (en) * | 1996-08-13 | 2001-11-08 | Jigour Robin J. | Adapter apparatus for interfacing an insertable and removable digital memory device to a host port |
US5899773A (en) * | 1996-10-07 | 1999-05-04 | Pendec Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Connecting device with integrally formed male and female connectors |
US20010043174A1 (en) * | 1996-10-31 | 2001-11-22 | Jeffrey Jacobsen | Display system for wireless pager |
US6125192A (en) * | 1997-04-21 | 2000-09-26 | Digital Persona, Inc. | Fingerprint recognition system |
US6012636A (en) * | 1997-04-22 | 2000-01-11 | Smith; Frank E. | Multiple card data system having first and second memory elements including magnetic strip and fingerprints scanning means |
US6193152B1 (en) * | 1997-05-09 | 2001-02-27 | Receiptcity.Com, Inc. | Modular signature and data-capture system and point of transaction payment and reward system |
US6069970A (en) * | 1997-05-16 | 2000-05-30 | Authentec, Inc. | Fingerprint sensor and token reader and associated methods |
US6000006A (en) * | 1997-08-25 | 1999-12-07 | Bit Microsystems, Inc. | Unified re-map and cache-index table with dual write-counters for wear-leveling of non-volatile flash RAM mass storage |
US5959541A (en) * | 1997-09-23 | 1999-09-28 | Accu-Time Systems, Inc. | Biometric time and attendance system with epidermal topographical updating capability |
US6297448B1 (en) * | 1997-12-09 | 2001-10-02 | Tokai Kogyo Co., Ltd. | Inner and outer pressure equalization structure for an airtight case |
US6292863B1 (en) * | 1998-01-08 | 2001-09-18 | Tdk Corporation | PC card |
US6044428A (en) * | 1998-03-17 | 2000-03-28 | Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation | Configurable universal serial bus node |
US6321478B1 (en) * | 1998-12-04 | 2001-11-27 | Smith & Wesson Corp. | Firearm having an intelligent controller |
US6671808B1 (en) * | 1999-01-15 | 2003-12-30 | Rainbow Technologies, Inc. | USB-compliant personal key |
US6148354A (en) * | 1999-04-05 | 2000-11-14 | M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd. | Architecture for a universal serial bus-based PC flash disk |
US20020166023A1 (en) * | 1999-04-15 | 2002-11-07 | Dell Products, L.P. | High speed bus interface for non-volatile integrated circuit memory supporting continuous transfer |
US6615404B1 (en) * | 1999-05-13 | 2003-09-02 | Tadiran Telecom Business Systems Ltd. | Method and apparatus for downloading software into an embedded-system |
US6313400B1 (en) * | 1999-07-13 | 2001-11-06 | Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. | Data card easily assembled housing |
US20080094807A1 (en) * | 1999-08-04 | 2008-04-24 | Super Talent Electronics, Inc. | Single Chip USB Packages With Swivel Cover |
US20080093720A1 (en) * | 1999-08-04 | 2008-04-24 | Super Talent Electronics, Inc. | Single Chip USB Packages With Contact-Pins Cover |
US6718407B2 (en) * | 1999-09-30 | 2004-04-06 | Intel Corporation | Multiplexer selecting one of input/output data from a low pin count interface and a program information to update a firmware device from a communication interface |
US6554648B2 (en) * | 2000-06-08 | 2003-04-29 | Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. | Universal serial bus receptacle connector |
US6438638B1 (en) * | 2000-07-06 | 2002-08-20 | Onspec Electronic, Inc. | Flashtoaster for reading several types of flash-memory cards with or without a PC |
US6832281B2 (en) * | 2000-07-06 | 2004-12-14 | Onspec Electronic Inc. | Flashtoaster for reading several types of flash memory cards with or without a PC |
US6475830B1 (en) * | 2000-07-19 | 2002-11-05 | Cisco Technology, Inc. | Flip chip and packaged memory module |
US20020036922A1 (en) * | 2000-07-28 | 2002-03-28 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Method and circuitry for bank tracking in write command sequence |
US6624005B1 (en) * | 2000-09-06 | 2003-09-23 | Amkor Technology, Inc. | Semiconductor memory cards and method of making same |
US6407940B1 (en) * | 2000-09-29 | 2002-06-18 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Memory card device including a clock generator |
US20020116668A1 (en) * | 2001-02-20 | 2002-08-22 | Matrix Semiconductor, Inc. | Memory card with enhanced testability and methods of making and using the same |
US20030046510A1 (en) * | 2001-03-30 | 2003-03-06 | North Gregory Allen | System-on-a-chip with soft cache and systems and methods using the same |
US20050218200A1 (en) * | 2001-07-25 | 2005-10-06 | Heinz Focke | Folding-box for cigarettes |
US6757783B2 (en) * | 2001-11-13 | 2004-06-29 | Daesung Ec&P Co., Ltd. | Portable storage medium based on universal serial bus standard and UFI standard |
US6744634B2 (en) * | 2001-11-23 | 2004-06-01 | Power Quotient International Co., Ltd. | Low height USB interface connecting device and a memory storage apparatus thereof |
US20030100203A1 (en) * | 2001-11-23 | 2003-05-29 | Power Quotient International Co., Ltd. | Low height USB interface connecting device and a memory storage apparatus thereof |
US6900988B2 (en) * | 2001-11-23 | 2005-05-31 | Power Quotient International Ltd. | Low height USB interface connecting device and a memory storage apparatus thereof |
US7296098B2 (en) * | 2001-12-29 | 2007-11-13 | Taiguen Technology (Shen-Zhen), Co., Ltd. | Portable data converting and processing storage device with standard interface wherein the body unity does not include any built-in flash memory |
US6567273B1 (en) * | 2002-02-06 | 2003-05-20 | Carry Computer Eng. Co., Ltd. | Small silicon disk card with a USB plug |
US20030163656A1 (en) * | 2002-02-26 | 2003-08-28 | Ganton Robert Bruce | Memory configuration for a wireless communications device |
US6676420B1 (en) * | 2002-04-19 | 2004-01-13 | Wen-Tsung Liu | Double interface compact flash memory card |
US6618243B1 (en) * | 2002-06-13 | 2003-09-09 | M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd. | Computer peripheral system for interconnection with pocketable personal articles |
US20040087213A1 (en) * | 2002-08-16 | 2004-05-06 | Chi-Lei Kao | Plug used for connection with a usb receptacle |
US6733329B2 (en) * | 2002-08-21 | 2004-05-11 | Fu-I Yang | USB flash drive |
US6763410B2 (en) * | 2002-10-28 | 2004-07-13 | Walton Advanced Engineering, Inc. | Portable universal serial bus memory device |
US20040143716A1 (en) * | 2002-12-17 | 2004-07-22 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Folding USB flash memory device for providing memory storage capacity |
US20040137664A1 (en) * | 2003-01-09 | 2004-07-15 | Gidon Elazar | Advanced packaging shell for pocketable consumer electronic devices |
US20040148482A1 (en) * | 2003-01-13 | 2004-07-29 | Grundy Kevin P. | Memory chain |
US20040145875A1 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-07-29 | C-One Technology Corporation | Mini-type connector of circuit substrate |
US6778401B1 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-08-17 | C-One Technology Corp. | Mini-type connector of circuit substrate |
US20040153595A1 (en) * | 2003-01-31 | 2004-08-05 | Toshiba Corporation | USB memory storage apparatus |
US20060184709A1 (en) * | 2003-01-31 | 2006-08-17 | Toshiba Corporation | USB memory storage apparatus |
US6940153B2 (en) * | 2003-02-05 | 2005-09-06 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Magnetic shielding for magnetic random access memory card |
US20040255054A1 (en) * | 2003-06-10 | 2004-12-16 | Khein-Seng Pua | High-speed data transmission device |
US20050009388A1 (en) * | 2003-07-08 | 2005-01-13 | Technology Corp. | Usb mobile disk-pen |
US6854984B1 (en) * | 2003-09-11 | 2005-02-15 | Super Talent Electronics, Inc. | Slim USB connector with spring-engaging depressions, stabilizing dividers and wider end rails for flash-memory drive |
US7021971B2 (en) * | 2003-09-11 | 2006-04-04 | Super Talent Electronics, Inc. | Dual-personality extended-USB plug and receptacle with PCI-Express or Serial-At-Attachment extensions |
US20050085133A1 (en) * | 2003-09-11 | 2005-04-21 | Kuang-Yu Wang | Low-profile USB connector without metal case |
US6773192B1 (en) * | 2003-11-19 | 2004-08-10 | Prosonic Technology Corp. | Light-emitting USB mobile disk-pen |
US20050114587A1 (en) * | 2003-11-22 | 2005-05-26 | Super Talent Electronics Inc. | ExpressCard with On-Card Flash Memory with Shared Flash-Control Bus but Separate Ready Lines |
US20050182858A1 (en) * | 2004-02-13 | 2005-08-18 | Incomm Technologies Co., Ltd. | Portable memory device with multiple I/O interfaces |
US20050193161A1 (en) * | 2004-02-26 | 2005-09-01 | Lee Charles C. | System and method for controlling flash memory |
US20050193162A1 (en) * | 2004-02-26 | 2005-09-01 | Horng-Yee Chou | USB card reader |
US7364090B2 (en) * | 2004-04-16 | 2008-04-29 | Sandisk Corporation | Memory cards having two standard sets of contacts |
US20050248926A1 (en) * | 2004-05-06 | 2005-11-10 | Moses Asom | SDIO memory and interface card |
US6944028B1 (en) * | 2004-06-19 | 2005-09-13 | C-One Technology Corporation | Storage memory device |
US7074052B1 (en) * | 2005-05-11 | 2006-07-11 | Super Talent Electronics, Inc. | USB device with case having integrated plug shell |
US7090541B1 (en) * | 2005-05-27 | 2006-08-15 | Inventec Multimedia & Telecom Corporation | Slim USB electronic device |
US20060273442A1 (en) * | 2005-06-07 | 2006-12-07 | Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd. | Semiconductor device for accommodating large chips, fabrication method thereof, and carrier used in the semiconductor device |
US20060278720A1 (en) * | 2005-06-14 | 2006-12-14 | Sun-Light Electronic Technologies Inc. | Multimedia memory card |
US7104809B1 (en) * | 2005-10-18 | 2006-09-12 | Datafab Systems Inc. | Memory card shaped card reader |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090098773A1 (en) * | 2007-04-16 | 2009-04-16 | Walton Advanced Engineering, Inc | Space minimized flash drive |
US20080311792A1 (en) * | 2007-06-15 | 2008-12-18 | Transcend Information, Inc. | Usb connector device, connector module and method for fabricating usb connector device |
US9064836B1 (en) * | 2010-08-09 | 2015-06-23 | Sandisk Semiconductor (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. | Extrinsic gettering on semiconductor devices |
US20120042108A1 (en) * | 2010-08-13 | 2012-02-16 | Sunman Engineering, Inc. | USB Computer |
US9818017B2 (en) * | 2015-07-09 | 2017-11-14 | Gingy Technology Inc. | Fingerprint identification module |
US20170011248A1 (en) * | 2015-07-09 | 2017-01-12 | Gingy Technology Inc. | Fingerprint identification module |
US10049257B2 (en) | 2015-07-09 | 2018-08-14 | Gingy Technology Inc. | Fingerprint identification module |
US9648889B2 (en) * | 2015-09-11 | 2017-05-16 | John Pallas | Liquid-egg replacement composition |
US10640879B2 (en) | 2016-11-18 | 2020-05-05 | Hutchinson Technology Incorporated | High aspect ratio electroplated structures and anisotropic electroplating processes |
US11387033B2 (en) | 2016-11-18 | 2022-07-12 | Hutchinson Technology Incorporated | High-aspect ratio electroplated structures and anisotropic electroplating processes |
US11521785B2 (en) | 2016-11-18 | 2022-12-06 | Hutchinson Technology Incorporated | High density coil design and process |
US20230092600A1 (en) * | 2018-10-15 | 2023-03-23 | Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. | Card Connector, Card Holder, and Terminal Device |
WO2020112569A1 (en) * | 2018-11-30 | 2020-06-04 | Hutchinson Technology Incorporated | High density coil design and process |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7447037B2 (en) | 2008-11-04 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7447037B2 (en) | Single chip USB packages by various assembly methods | |
US7535719B2 (en) | Single chip USB packages with contact-pins cover | |
US7466556B2 (en) | Single chip USB packages with swivel cover | |
US7872871B2 (en) | Molding methods to manufacture single-chip chip-on-board USB device | |
US7830666B2 (en) | Manufacturing process for single-chip MMC/SD flash memory device with molded asymmetric circuit board | |
US8141240B2 (en) | Manufacturing method for micro-SD flash memory card | |
US9357658B2 (en) | Molding method for COB-EUSB devices and metal housing package | |
US8102657B2 (en) | Single shot molding method for COB USB/EUSB devices with contact pad ribs | |
US7440286B2 (en) | Extended USB dual-personality card reader | |
US8254134B2 (en) | Molded memory card with write protection switch assembly | |
US7872873B2 (en) | Extended COB-USB with dual-personality contacts | |
US20080235939A1 (en) | Manufacturing Method For Micro-SD Flash Memory Card | |
US20080195817A1 (en) | SD Flash Memory Card Manufacturing Using Rigid-Flex PCB | |
US20080286990A1 (en) | Direct Package Mold Process For Single Chip SD Flash Cards | |
KR100996320B1 (en) | Method for efficiently producing removable peripheral cards | |
TWI251785B (en) | Memory card with raised portion | |
US7384817B2 (en) | Method of assembling semiconductor devices with LEDs | |
KR100995961B1 (en) | Method of manufacturing flash memory cards | |
US20050156333A1 (en) | Narrow Universal-Serial-Bus (USB) Flash-Memory Card with Straight Sides using a Ball-Grid-Array (BGA) Chip | |
US7874067B1 (en) | Manufacturing method for single chip COB USB devices with optional embedded LED | |
US7479039B2 (en) | Manufacturing process for a super-digital (SD) flash card with slanted asymmetric circuit board | |
TW200926394A (en) | Molding methods to manufacture single-chip chip-on-board USB device | |
US20100265704A1 (en) | Electrical devices with light source |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SUPER TALENT ELECTRONICS, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HIEW, SIEW S.;NI, JIM CHIN-NAN;MA, ABRAHAM C.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:019942/0711;SIGNING DATES FROM 20070925 TO 20071002 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SUPER TALENT TECHNOLOGY, CORP., CALIFORNIA Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:SUPER TALENT ELECTRONIC, INC.;REEL/FRAME:032547/0613 Effective date: 20050124 |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20161104 |